Optical Surgical Instrument Tracking for Low-Radiation Bone Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures involving traumatized bones face challenges with limited visual access, relying on radiation-intensive imaging methods like X-ray and CT scans, which prolong surgery duration, increase radiation exposure, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tracking system using optical imaging devices and patterns for precise localization and positioning of surgical instruments and reference bodies, combining optical pattern recognition with mechanical interfaces for reproducible alignment, and optional radio dense geometries for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation-intensive imaging methods (X-ray, CT, MRT) are used for monitoring surgical procedures, then imaging capability and visualization are improved, but surgery duration is prolonged and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-intensive mechanical imaging systems (X-ray, CT) with an optical imaging system using cameras, LEDs, and optical markers. The surgical tracking system uses optical fields instead of electromagnetic radiation fields to achieve real-time visualization of surgical instruments and anatomical structures, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of surgical instruments and anatomical structures using cameras and optical markers instead of requiring physical radiation-based imaging. The system captures and processes optical information to generate real-time visual representations, allowing continuous monitoring without repeated radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If radiation-intensive imaging methods are used for monitoring surgical procedures, then imaging capability is improved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiation-based imaging mechanisms with optical imaging mechanisms. The system uses cameras to capture optical reflections from markers and instruments, processing these optical signals to generate images without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation. This eliminates the harmful radiation effect while preserving diagnostic imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediaries between the surgical instruments/anatomical structures and the imaging system. These markers reflect light and provide visual references that can be tracked optically, serving as mediators that enable imaging without requiring direct radiation interaction with the patient's body.
3Measurement precision
If multiple monitoring steps are performed during surgery using radiation-intensive methods, then surgical precision is maintained, but surgery duration and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time optical tracking and imaging throughout the surgical procedure without interruption. The optical system continuously captures and processes images of surgical instruments and anatomical structures, providing ongoing precision guidance without the need to pause for repeated discrete imaging sessions, thereby maintaining surgical precision while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces discrete, time-consuming radiation-based imaging steps with a continuous optical imaging process. The system provides uninterrupted visual feedback and tracking, eliminating the need to stop surgery for repeated X-ray or CT scans, thus maintaining precision while reducing overall surgery time and costs.
4Loss of time
If optical imaging devices and pattern recognition are used for tracking, then radiation exposure is minimized and surgery duration is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified optical tracking system. The same optical cameras and image processing infrastructure serve both for tracking surgical instrument positions and for visualizing anatomical structures, providing multi-functional capability without proportionally increasing system complexity. The system handles instrument tracking, anatomical visualization, and surgical guidance through a single integrated optical platform.
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
Reduces imaging duration and radiation exposure while maintaining surgical precision by providing real-time, non-radiation-based tracking and visualization of surgical instruments and reference bodies, facilitating quicker and safer surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging device representing a position and orientation of one of a surgical instrument and a surgical reference body, the optical imaging device having a predetermined viewing direction
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical guiding device, a surgical reference body (50) and a surgical tracking system (2), and in particular to a surgical guiding device, a surgical reference body and a surgical tracking system allowing an improved localization of surgical components.