Optical Tracking for Dynamic Joint Arthroplasty Resection Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems for joint arthroplasty procedures require cumbersome registration methods involving direct attachment of trackers to patient anatomy and manual probing of anatomic points, which can be inaccurate and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating planar and non-planar profiles from tracking information of a patient's anatomy and surgical tools, allowing dynamic updates and visualization of resection planning, using meshes and heat maps to enhance surgical navigation and planning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional registration methods with rigid tracker attachment and manual probing are used, then the system can acquire anatomic data points, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomic point location accuracyVSAvoidregistration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical probing with an automated optical tracking system. Optical sensors capture images of trackable features on the patient's anatomy, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the positions of anatomic points, eliminating the need for manual probing while improving both speed and consistency of data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment and self-identification of anatomic landmarks through automated image recognition. The optical sensor system automatically tracks the patient's anatomy and surgical instruments without requiring manual intervention for each measurement, allowing the system to service itself in acquiring and processing anatomic data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual probing of anatomic points is performed, then the surgeon can provide position data to the navigation system, but the process becomes cumbersome and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical planning efficiencyVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical probing with automated optical image capture and processing. The system automatically identifies and tracks anatomic landmarks through image recognition algorithms, eliminating the cumbersome manual probing process and significantly improving surgical planning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor system continuously captures images of the patient's anatomy throughout the surgical procedure, providing continuous tracking data without interruption. This continuous acquisition eliminates the discontinuous nature of manual probing and maintains constant readiness for surgical planning adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If trackers are rigidly attached to patient anatomy, then the navigation system can track surgical instruments, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidtracker attachment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mechanical tracker attachment with non-contact optical tracking. Optical sensors capture images of trackable features on the patient's anatomy without requiring physical attachment of trackers to the bone or tissue, significantly simplifying the setup process while maintaining tracking reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical images as an intermediary between the patient's anatomy and the navigation system's tracking requirements. Instead of directly attaching trackers to anatomy, the system uses optical images of trackable features as an intermediate representation that can be processed and tracked throughout the procedure without physical attachment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250302541A1Methods and systems for surgical navigation and intra-operative surgical planning in joint arthroplasty procedures using planar and non-planar profiles

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed for improved surgical navigation and intra-operative surgical planning for joint arthroplasty procedures. A computing device receives tracking information of a patient's anatomic structure and of one or more surgical tools. A computing device further receives at least one plurality of anatomic points. A mesh is generated for each region of interest of the patient's anatomic structure from the one or more pluralities of anatomic points. One or more planar profiles and/or one or more non-planar profiles may be generated from each mesh and may be displayed to a user via a user interface. Planar and non-planar profiles may be updated as the user repositions a trackable cut plane on or adjacent the patient's anatomic structure, such as during resection planning during a TKA, for example.