Noninvasive Anatomical Reference Plane Registration for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instrument positioning systems are invasive, time-consuming, and lack precision in registering anatomical reference planes, leading to mal-positioning of implants and bone fragments during surgeries like hip arthroplasty and trauma fracture reductions.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using a movable dimensioned grid with radiopaque patterns to define coronal and sagittal planes, combined with reference plane axis trackers, to form a 3-dimensional reference plane for intraoperative navigation of surgical devices, communicating positional data for precise alignment and implant placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional invasive tracking markers are used for surgical navigation, then measurement precision is improved, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate due to fractures and insertion site pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the invasive tracking markers from the surgical field and replaces them with non-invasive fluoroscopic imaging. The anatomical reference planes are registered by analyzing anatomical landmarks visible in fluoroscopic images, eliminating the need to insert physical markers into the patient's body while maintaining navigation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluoroscopic imaging as an intermediary between the surgeon and the anatomical structures. Instead of directly contacting the anatomy with invasive markers, the system uses fluoroscopic images as a mediator to visualize and register anatomical reference planes, providing indirect but safe access to anatomical information.
2Measurement precision
If invasive tracking markers are used for anatomical reference, then navigation accuracy is improved, but surgical time increases due to lengthy setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anatomical reference plane registration using fluoroscopic images that are already available during the surgical procedure. By utilizing existing imaging infrastructure and registering planes based on visible anatomical landmarks, the system eliminates the time-consuming setup required for traditional invasive marker placement and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the fluoroscopic imaging system, which is already a standard component in most operating rooms for other surgical purposes. By making this existing equipment serve the additional function of anatomical reference plane registration, the system avoids adding dedicated new equipment and reduces setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Loss of time
If non-invasive reference planes are registered from operating table horizontal plane, then setup time is reduced, but manufacturing precision and navigation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a generic operating table horizontal plane for all patients, the system registers anatomical reference planes specific to each patient's unique anatomy by identifying and analyzing patient-specific anatomical landmarks in fluoroscopic images. This localized approach ensures high precision for each individual case while maintaining efficient setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of this invention is a surgical instrument positioning system, method and apparatus, using an anatomical reference plane registered in a non-invasive manner and a method of intra-operative use of this instrument for joint replacements, spine, trauma fracture reductions and deformity correction and implant placement/alignment.