Optical Trajectory Targeting for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image guidance systems for medical procedures are limited in their ability to provide accurate and efficient targeting of deep anatomical structures, particularly in emergency settings and resource-constrained environments, often requiring rigid fixation and lengthy setup times, which can lead to increased procedural time and risk of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A targeting system utilizing two or more light sources, such as lasers, secured to a fixture at non-parallel angles to project a targeting line in three-dimensional space, allowing for direct visualization of trajectories without the need for frames or pins, enabling precise alignment of medical instruments with the desired trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid fixation devices (frames or pins) are used to ensure accurate targeting, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rigid fixation devices (frames or pins) from the system while maintaining targeting accuracy through a simplified optical tracking system that uses a reference frame attached to the imaging device itself, eliminating the need for separate fixation structures on the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The reference frame serves multiple functions: it provides a coordinate system for spatial tracking, enables registration between image space and physical space, and works with various imaging modalities, replacing the need for multiple specialized fixation devices
2Measurement precision
If rigid fixation devices are used for accurate targeting, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful rigid fixation devices that cause tissue trauma, replacing them with a non-invasive optical tracking system that achieves accurate targeting without physical penetration or rigid attachment to the patient's body
3Measurement precision
If complex image guidance systems with registration processes are used, then targeting accuracy is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate system and tracking relationships are established in advance through preliminary registration processes, allowing real-time tracking during the procedure without requiring complex registration steps at the moment of targeting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical registration processes with an optical tracking system that continuously monitors positions in real-time, eliminating the need for manual, time-consuming registration procedures
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional image guidance systems are used, then deep structure visualization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to eyes-off-target requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical tracking system as an intermediary that projects visual guides (laser lines or LED indicators) directly onto or near the target area, serving as a mediator between the deep anatomical structures and the operator's visual field, allowing continuous visual monitoring without switching between screens and the patient
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 solution facilitates more accurate and efficient targeting of anatomical structures, reducing procedural time and minimizing tissue trauma, while being adaptable for use in various medical and industrial applications, including emergency procedures and resource-limited settings.
Implementation Method 1
two or more light sources, such as lasers, secured to a fixture at non-parallel angles to project a targeting line in three-dimensional space
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
Enhanced targeting systems and methods may be used to visualize trajectories for surgical instruments. Such a targeting system may have a fixture that can be secured at a predetermined location relative to a patient, a first light source attached to the fixture, and a second light source attached to the fixture. The first light source may project first light along a first plane, and the second light source may project second light along a second plane nonparallel to the first plane. At an intersection of the first and second planes, the first light and the second light may cooperate to produce a targeting line that indicates the desired trajectory. A controller may be connected to first and second sets of motors to orient the first and second light sources, respectively. The targeting line may be projected on a visualization aid that guides the surgical instrument along the trajectory.