Optical Tracking Sensor for Surgical Instrument Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-assisted systems for guiding surgical/diagnostic instruments lack advanced scanning capabilities for detecting three-dimensional profiles, which limits their ability to provide precise and minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking sensor system with infrared markers and a stereoscopic viewing system, including a motorized pivot device with pan and tilt axes, is integrated to track the surgical instrument's position and perform three-dimensional scanning, allowing for real-time navigation and minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basic optical tracking sensor is used to locate surgical instruments, then the system can provide real-time position tracking, but it lacks three-dimensional scanning capabilities for detecting body surface profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both track the position of surgical instruments using infrared markers and scan the three-dimensional profile of the patient's body surface. By integrating the laser generator, deflection device, and detection capabilities into a single sensor unit, the system eliminates the need for separate scanning and tracking devices, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tracking function (detecting instrument position via infrared markers) and the scanning function (detecting body surface topography via laser) into a single integrated optical sensor. The sensor housing contains both the infrared detection system and the laser-based scanning system, allowing simultaneous or alternating operation of both functions from one device
2Measurement precision
If an integrated optical sensor with scanning capabilities is implemented, then the system can detect three-dimensional profiles, but the sensor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is divided into distinct functional modules: an infrared detection system for tracking, a laser generator for scanning, a deflection device for directing the laser beam, and a detection system for receiving reflected light. Each module is housed in a structured manner within the sensor housing, allowing independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall integration
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection device acts as an intermediary component that directs the laser beam onto the patient's body surface and redirects the reflected light to the detection system. This intermediary mechanism enables the scanning function without requiring direct line-of-sight between the laser source and detector, simplifying the overall sensor structure while maintaining scanning capability
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 system enables precise tracking and scanning of surgical instruments within the body, ensuring accurate navigation and minimizing tissue damage by providing a user-friendly interface for doctors to perform minimally invasive operations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical tracking sensor (20) produced according to the present invention and comprising a stereoscopic viewing system
Implementation Method 2
infrared markers and a stereoscopic viewing system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Computer-assisted system for guiding a surgical/diagnostic instrument (27) in the body of a patient wherein a tracking sensor (20) comprises a pair of video cameras/illuminators adapted to acquire the image of a patient (P) on which a surgical/diagnostic operation is being performed by means of an instrument sensed by means of a marker visible by the sensor. The tracking sensor is movable under the thrust of actuators according to a first horizontal tilt axis and a second horizontal pan axis perpendicular to the first to move the area of view of the video cameras in space and maintain the image detected by the marker substantially at the centre of the same image also in the case of shifting of the instrument relative to the sensor (20) in order to perform a tracking function of the instrument marker by the optical tracking sensor (20).