Offset Position Sensor in Hollow Tube Surgical Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-guided surgery navigation systems face challenges in accurately positioning and orienting surgical cutting instruments within limited visibility areas, such as the nasal cavity, due to potential human and equipment errors, which can impact procedure outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of position sensors into surgical cutting instruments, such as a shaft assembly with offset or paired position sensors, that communicate with an image-guided surgery navigation system to provide real-time positional and orientational data, enhancing the precision of instrument placement within the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IGS navigation systems are used with surgical cutting instruments, then real-time position tracking is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are still insufficient due to potential human and equipment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by integrating position sensors that continuously provide real-time positional and orientational data back to the IGS navigation system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and adjust instrument position dynamically, improving both measurement precision and procedural reliability by detecting and correcting positioning errors as they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing specialized position sensors as mediators between the surgical instrument and the IGS navigation system. These sensors act as intermediaries that translate physical instrument position into actionable digital data, enhancing the reliability of position tracking without requiring direct complex interaction between the instrument and navigation system
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into surgical instruments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple position sensors into a single integrated sensor assembly that functions as one unified component within the surgical instrument. This consolidation achieves the measurement precision benefits of multiple sensors while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensor housings, wiring harnesses, and calibration procedures for each individual sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing position sensors that serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing both positional data and orientational data through a single sensor system. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensors for different measurement types while maintaining high measurement precision across all parameters
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integration of position sensors into surgical cutting instruments improves the accuracy and safety of procedures by providing real-time positional and orientational feedback, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing the precision of instrument placement within the patient's anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
the first position sensor is configured to generate electrical signals in response to an alternating magnetic field, the electrical signals indicating a position of the elongate shaft in three-dimensional space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an elongate shaft and a position sensor. The elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The elongate shaft includes a distal end, an opening, and a lumen. The position sensor is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis. The first position sensor is fixedly secured relative to the elongate shaft at a known distance from the opening. The first position sensor is configured to generate signals indicating a position of the elongate shaft in three-dimensional space.