Optical Surgical Tool Tracking via Non-Periodic Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking technologies in image-guided surgery are limited by their expense, intrusiveness, and lack of precision, particularly in clinical environments, where mechanical-based trackers are costly and restrictive, and acoustic tracking lacks navigation accuracy, while optical and EM tracking require intrusive setups and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating 3D computer vision and structured light with local sensing approaches, using ultrasound imaging and image analysis algorithms, combined with probe-mounted light-sensitive devices to track surgical tools and reconstruct their position and trajectory, providing a low-cost, non-intrusive, and precise tracking solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical-based tracking is used, then tracking functionality is provided, but the system becomes expensive and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical-based tracking systems with optical-based tracking using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system uses image processing to detect and track surgical tools through visual patterns rather than mechanical sensors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical trackers while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual patterns (codes, markers) attached to surgical tools that create optical copies or representations of tool positions. Instead of directly measuring position with mechanical sensors, the system captures images and processes visual information to determine tool locations, replacing physical sensing with optical information processing.
2Reliability
If acoustic tracking is used, then tracking is provided, but navigation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic tracking with optical-based computer vision tracking. By using cameras to capture images and algorithms to analyze visual patterns on surgical tools, the system achieves superior spatial resolution and measurement precision compared to acoustic methods, while maintaining continuous tracking capability.
3Measurement precision
If optical or EM tracking is used, then tracking precision is improved, but intrusive setups and calibration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration through visual patterns that provide inherent reference information. The computer vision system automatically detects and uses the known geometric features of patterns on surgical tools to establish coordinate transformations and calibration parameters without requiring separate calibration procedures or reference frames, enabling the system to self-adjust and self-calibrate during operation.
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 significantly reduces errors and enhances patient outcomes by enabling accurate tracking and guidance of medical tools, potentially replacing expensive hardware setups and improving sensitivity and specificity in procedures like biopsies and ablations.
Implementation Method 1
A system integrating 3D computer vision and structured light with local sensing approaches, using ultrasound imaging and image analysis algorithms, combined with probe-mounted light-sensitive devices to track surgical tools
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for image-guided surgery may include a visual imaging system, a medical tool comprising a shaft and a tip, wherein the shaft of the tool includes an optically detectable feature that allows a position of the tip to be determined, and a display configured to display a real-time representation of the medical tool including the position of the tip regardless of whether the tip is obstructed or visible.