Optical Marker Drape With Fiber Sensing for Percutaneous Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical navigation systems for minimally-invasive medical interventions face challenges such as optical markers becoming unstuck, requiring complex application, obstructing the line of sight, and necessitating large incisions in sterile drapes, which are not suitable for percutaneous interventions.
Innovation Solution
An optical monitoring device with a base layer serving as a sterile drape, integrated optical markers, and a fiber optic sensor that allows for precise positioning and movement tracking, minimizing skin intrusion and disinfection area, and maintaining visibility even when markers are obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical markers are stuck individually onto the skin of the patient, then the navigation system can determine the position of the monitoring device, but the adhesion is insufficient and markers may become unstuck during the intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical markers and adhesive elements into a single integrated monitoring device unit. The base layer integrates multiple adhesive regions with optical markers pre-positioned on them, transforming individual markers into a unified structure that maintains reliable adhesion while simplifying application to the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical markers are pre-positioned and fixed to the base layer during manufacturing, before the device is applied to the patient. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper positioning and eliminates the complexity of individual marker application during the medical intervention.
2Reliability
If optical markers are all fixed to the same adhesive tape to surround the intervention zone, then the markers remain stable, but large openings must be cut in the sterile drape which increases disinfection area
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer incorporates multiple localized adhesive regions positioned specifically to hold optical markers, rather than using a single large adhesive tape. This localized approach allows the sterile drape to remain intact in most areas, minimizing the disinfection area while maintaining marker stability through distributed adhesive points.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive system is segmented into multiple discrete adhesive regions on the base layer, each capable of holding individual markers. This segmentation replaces the need for a single large adhesive tape, allowing smaller, more strategically placed adhesive zones that reduce the overall footprint and disinfection requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a base layer serving as sterile drape with all adhesive surface is used, then the device can be applied easily, but simultaneous incision in the monitoring device and patient is required which is not suitable for percutaneous interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer features localized adhesive regions only where optical markers need to be positioned, rather than a completely adhesive surface. This allows the device to be applied easily to the skin while leaving non-adhesive areas that can accommodate percutaneous needle insertions without requiring simultaneous incision of the monitoring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive surface is segmented into discrete regions, creating a hybrid structure with both adhesive and non-adhesive zones. This segmentation enables the device to function as a sterile drape with easy application in adhesive areas, while the non-adhesive areas allow flexibility for percutaneous interventions.
4Measurement precision
If the line of sight between optical marker and optical sensor is interrupted by obstacles, then the position determination is impeded, but the device structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The base layer incorporates multiple localized adhesive regions positioned to distribute optical markers across different locations. This spatial distribution ensures that at least some markers remain visible to the optical sensor even when others are obscured by obstacles, maintaining position determination accuracy without adding complex active sensing elements.
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 device ensures easy installation, minimal intrusion into the intervention zone, optimized adhesion, reduced disinfection area, and precise navigation even with obstructed markers, enhancing the accuracy of medical instrument positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The marking region also includes a fiber optic sensor fastened to the base layer and including at least one measuring point associated with each of the optical markers or the fixing supports
Implementation Method 2
The marking region includes on the interior face an adhesive material for fixing the optical monitoring device onto the skin of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical monitoring device for monitoring the movements of an anatomical part of interest of a patient during a minimally invasive medical intervention. The optical monitoring device comprises a base layer that serves as a sterile drape and comprises an intervention region and a marking region which at least partially surrounds the intervention region. The marking region comprises, on the inner face, an adhesive material for attaching the monitoring device to the skin of the patient and, on the outer face, at least three optical markers or at least three attachment supports each intended to accommodate an optical marker. The marking region also comprises an optical fibre sensor which is securely attached to the base layer and which has a measurement point associated with each of the optical markers or attachment supports.