Oscillating Tool for Robotic Bone Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in safely and efficiently removing bone and non-fibrous tissues during orthopedic procedures, particularly in the spine, due to difficulties in distinguishing between soft and hard tissues, and the risk of damage to fibrous materials during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis robotic system equipped with an oscillating tool that can be securely attached to a robotic arm, providing precise manipulation and minimization of damage to soft tissues, combined with ultrasound capabilities for real-time visualization and tool interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotary cutting tool is used to remove bone and non-fibrous tissues, then the removal efficiency is improved, but fibrous material may wrap about the tool and cause damage to soft tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotary cutting action by using an oscillating cutting tool that moves back and forth in a controlled manner. This reversal of the continuous rotary motion into reciprocating oscillatory motion prevents fibrous material from wrapping around the tool, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of soft tissue damage while maintaining effective bone and non-fibrous tissue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool employs periodic oscillatory motion rather than continuous rotation. This periodic action allows the tool to engage and disengage from the tissue in a controlled cycle, preventing the continuous contact that causes fibrous material to wrap around rotary tools. The oscillating motion maintains cutting efficiency while periodically releasing the tool from tissue contact to prevent wrapping.
2Ease of operation
If a surgeon manually inserts rods into pedicle screws in narrow surgical fields, then the procedure can be completed, but the surgery time increases and the risk of improper alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion process with a robotically-controlled system. The robotic arm precisely positions and inserts rods into pedicle screws according to pre-planned trajectories, eliminating the time-consuming manual manipulation required in narrow surgical fields. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated robotic control reduces surgery time while ensuring proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system uses pre-operative imaging and planning to create a digital model or copy of the patient's anatomy. This virtual model allows the surgeon to plan the exact rod insertion paths beforehand, and the robotic system then executes these pre-planned trajectories with high precision, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative adjustments and ensuring accurate alignment.
3Reliability
If a robotic system with oscillating tool is used to remove bone and non-fibrous tissues, then the precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. The same robotic arm and oscillating tool assembly can perform multiple surgical tasks including bone removal, cartilage removal, disk removal, and rod insertion. This universal capability consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, making the increased complexity worthwhile by providing a single integrated platform that enhances surgical safety and precision across various procedures.
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
Enables safe and precise removal of bone and non-fibrous tissues while minimizing damage to soft tissues, reducing surgery time and complications, and allowing remote surgical procedures with enhanced visualization and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-axis robotic system equipped with an oscillating tool that can be securely attached to a robotic arm, providing precise manipulation and minimization of damage to soft tissues
Implementation Method 2
The system also provides ultrasound, also referred to as sonography, to develop real time images of the surgical field to assist the surgeon in successfully completing the surgery
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for providing robotically assisted surgery that involves the removal of bone or non-fibrous type tissues during a surgical procedure. The system utilizes a multi-axis robot having a reciprocating tool that is constructed and arranged to remove hard or non-fibrous tissues while leaving soft tissues unharmed. The multi-axis robot may be controlled via computer or telemanipulator, which allows the surgeon to complete a surgery from an area adjacent to the patient to thousands of miles away.