On-Tool Tracking System for Computer Assisted Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-assisted surgery systems are complex and intrusive, requiring external navigation systems and multiple components, which complicates the surgical process and limits their integration into existing orthopedic surgery practices.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained on-tool tracking system that integrates all necessary components, including cameras, tracking elements, and actuators, onto a surgical instrument, allowing for real-time monitoring and guidance without external devices, and provides tactile feedback mechanisms for precise tool control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external navigation systems and multiple components are used for computer-assisted surgery, then tracking and guidance functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tracking elements, cameras, and surgical tool components into a single integrated on-tool tracking system. The tracking elements are mounted directly on the surgical tool, and cameras are integrated into the tool handle, eliminating the need for separate external tracking systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs the surgical cutting function while simultaneously housing tracking elements for navigation and cameras for documentation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed in the operating room.
2Loss of information
If external tracking systems are used, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to intrusive setup
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is self-contained with all necessary tracking and monitoring components integrated directly into it. The tool independently performs both the surgical function and the tracking function without requiring external systems, simplifying the surgical process while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If tactile feedback mechanisms are added to the surgical tool, then ease of operation improves through precise control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms into the surgical tool that provide resistance or force feedback to the surgeon during tool operation. This feedback helps the surgeon maintain precise control of the tool without requiring complex external control systems, as the feedback is generated locally within the tool itself.
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
This approach simplifies the surgical process, enhances precision, and reduces the complexity of computer-assisted surgery by eliminating the need for external tracking systems, providing accurate and intuitive feedback to surgeons, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of orthopedic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a scissor linkage formed by a first linkage coupled to a second linkage, the scissor linkage extending between the first platform and the second platform wherein a first end of the first linkage is coupled to the first platform and a second end of the first linkage is coupled to the second platform and the first end of the second linkage is coupled to the first platform and the second end of the second linkage is coupled to the second platform
Implementation Method 2
at least one position restoration element coupled to the scissor linkage to adjust a force response of the relative movement between the first platform and the second platform
Data Source
AI summary
A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.