Optical Waveguide Bone Navigation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for navigating and determining bone composition during surgical procedures, such as spinal surgery, face challenges with poor visualization of complex bone anatomies and high screw misplacement rates due to inadequate detection of small bone breaches and nerve exposure.
Innovation Solution
A bone navigation device equipped with optical waveguides to illuminate and analyze bone tissue using reflected light, determining optical characteristics to facilitate precise navigation and safe implantation by distinguishing between different types of bone and tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to visualize placement of components into bone, then visualization of component placement is improved, but visualization of complex bone anatomies and geometric relationships remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the visualization task into two separate functions: fluoroscopic imaging for component placement and optical waveguide spectroscopy for bone anatomy characterization. This segmentation allows each modality to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide acts as an intermediary device that delivers light into the bone and collects reflected light, enabling spectroscopic analysis of bone properties without interfering with fluoroscopic imaging of component placement.
2Ease of operation
If traditional navigation methods are used, then surgical procedure simplicity is maintained, but screw misplacement rates increase to 0-40%
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the surgeon about bone properties and potential breach risks during the procedure. This feedback loop enables the surgeon to adjust the procedure dynamically, maintaining simplicity while significantly improving placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide provides preliminary characterization of bone properties before screw insertion, allowing the surgeon to plan the procedure in advance with knowledge of bone density and composition, thereby preventing misplacement before it occurs.
3Measurement precision
If evoked muscular electromyograms are used to detect bone breaches, then nerve stimulation detection is improved, but small bone breaches and compressed nerves remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical stimulation method (electromyogram) with an optical method (waveguide spectroscopy). This substitution enables detection of bone properties and breaches through light interaction with bone tissue, providing earlier and more sensitive detection before nerve compression occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide detects changes in bone properties and potential breaches before they progress to the point where nerves are compressed or damaged, allowing preventive action to be taken before irreversible harm occurs.
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 improves navigation accuracy by providing real-time optical characterization of bone, reducing screw misplacement and nerve exposure risks, enabling safer and more precise implantation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough and configured to emit light in the visible to near infrared range. The optical waveguide is configured to illuminate bone and to receive reflected light from the bone
Implementation Method 2
The optical waveguide can be an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.