Parallax-Free Surgical Alignment Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual determination of anatomical orientation during surgical procedures, such as shoulder replacement surgery, is prone to inaccuracy due to user-induced errors related to parallax, which affects the accurate alignment of anatomical features like humeral version.
Innovation Solution
A parallax-free alignment indicator device and system that projects a light source, such as a laser or LED, along a specific axis to facilitate accurate anatomical alignment, allowing for secure attachment to surgical instruments and adjustment to maintain alignment regardless of the user's position, using a housing with a power source and adjustable lens assembly to ensure precise orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual determination of anatomical orientation using version rods is used, then anatomical alignment can be determined, but accuracy is reduced due to parallax errors from user position variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual alignment system (version rods requiring direct visual inspection) with an optical projection system that uses light sources to create alignment indicators visible from multiple angles, eliminating parallax errors inherent in mechanical visual methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light sources and alignment indicators as intermediaries between the surgical instrument and the user's visual system, allowing alignment information to be transmitted without direct line-of-sight requirements, thus eliminating user position dependency
2Measurement precision
If version rods are used for determining humeral version, then orientation can be visually assessed, but user-induced errors occur due to parallax from different viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical version rod system with an optical projection system that casts alignment indicators onto the surgical site, allowing accurate humeral version determination from multiple viewing angles without parallax distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional visual alignment method (direct line-of-sight viewing) to a multi-dimensional optical projection system that provides alignment information across multiple spatial dimensions and viewing angles simultaneously
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 accurate and consistent determination and maintenance of anatomical orientation during surgical procedures, reducing errors and ensuring precise alignment of surgical instruments and implants by providing a parallax-free alignment indicator that adjusts to maintain proper anatomical alignment.
Implementation Method 1
activating a light source of the device to project an alignment indicator along an alignment axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Various parallax-free indicator devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The indicator device may have a housing defining an aperture and a light source assembly at least partially disposed in the housing. The housing may be selectively securable via a fastener to an instrument in a selected orientation relative to the instrument. The light source assembly may have a light source operably coupled to a power source via a power circuit. The light source may be positioned within the housing to emit through the housing aperture. Upon activation, the light source assembly emits a parallax-free alignment indicator along an alignment axis that may have at least one of a selected angle and a selected displacement relative to a selected reference axis. The alignment indicator may guide a surgical procedure.