Patient-Matched Surgical Guides for Precise Anatomical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures face challenges in accommodating the unique and irregular anatomical features of patients, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, leading to misalignment, misplacement, and risk of damaging sensitive nerves or structures due to the inability to precisely locate anatomical landmarks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating customized surgical apparatus using patient-specific MRI or CT data to derive patient-matched apparatus with complementary surfaces and trajectories, allowing precise alignment and orientation without the need for microscopes or other equipment, and incorporating features like interlocking points and conductive materials for intra-operative monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard surgical instruments are used for minimally invasive surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but misalignment and misplacement occur due to inability to precisely locate anatomical landmarks
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide is designed and manufactured before the surgical procedure using patient-specific imaging data. The guide includes pre-formed alignment features and anatomical contours that are created in advance through computer-aided design and manufacturing processes, allowing precise positioning to be achieved during surgery without real-time complex measurements
Solution Approach 2:
A physical surgical guide is created as a copy or representation of the patient's unique anatomy based on imaging data. The guide replicates the contours and landmarks of the patient's bones and soft tissues, providing a tangible template that guides instrument placement while maintaining the precision of the digital model
2Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific customized apparatus are manufactured, then precise alignment and orientation can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide is designed as a multi-functional device that combines multiple features including alignment guides, anatomical contours, instrument holders, and positioning references in a single integrated structure. This universal design achieves high precision alignment while reducing the need for multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical guide is divided into modular components and functional zones, with different portions of the guide serving specific purposes such as guiding drill bits, providing anatomical reference surfaces, or securing to bone structures. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled to achieve the overall complex function
3Reliability
If multiple surgical instruments are used to ensure safety and precision, then surgical safety is improved, but the number of instruments and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions that would traditionally require separate instruments are combined into a single integrated surgical guide system. The guide incorporates alignment features, cutting guides, reaming guides, and positioning references all in one device, reducing the total number of instruments needed while maintaining or improving surgical safety through consistent reference throughout the procedure
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for developing customized apparatus for use in one or more surgical procedures is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a patient's unique anatomical features or morphology. According to a preferred embodiment, the customized apparatus comprises a plurality of complementary surfaces. Thus, each apparatus may be matched and oriented around the patient's own anatomy, and may further provide any desired axial alignments or insertional trajectories. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus may further be aligned and/or matched with at least one other apparatus used during the surgical procedure.