Patient Reference Device Inertial Alarm for Surgical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical operations, patient reference devices used in optical navigation systems can be inadvertently bumped or dislodged, leading to loss of registration and inaccurate tracking of anatomical locations, which may not be immediately noticed, potentially causing misalignment during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A patient reference device with an attachment base, an optically-trackable array, and an inertial measurement unit that detects movement and generates an alarm signal if the attachment base changes position beyond a threshold, ensuring accurate tracking and preventing unnecessary re-registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the patient reference device is fixedly attached to the patient during surgery, then the navigation system can accurately track anatomical locations, but the device may be inadvertently bumped or dislodged causing loss of registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing movement detection and alarm capabilities before actual dislodgement occurs. The inertial measurement unit continuously monitors the attachment base position, and the alarm system warns surgical personnel of potential dislodgement before registration is completely lost, allowing preventive repositioning or reattachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the inertial measurement unit that continuously monitors the attachment base position and provides real-time information about movement. This feedback loop allows the system to detect position changes, generate alarms, and notify surgical personnel of potential registration loss, enabling timely corrective action to maintain tracking accuracy.
2Reliability
If the patient reference device is made secure and fixed, then registration stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into the patient reference device: the attachment base provides mechanical securing, the inertial measurement unit performs movement detection, the logic circuit processes sensor data, and the alarm system provides warnings. This consolidation of functions into a single integrated device improves registration stability while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the autonomous operation of the inertial measurement unit and alarm system. The device automatically monitors its own position, processes sensor data without external intervention, and generates alarms independently when movement is detected. This self-monitoring capability enhances reliability while requiring minimal additional operational complexity during surgery.
3Reliability
If movement detection and alarm systems are added to the patient reference device, then registration loss can be prevented, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with an inertial measurement unit that uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. This electronic sensor-based approach substitutes for elaborate mechanical switches, levers, or contact-based detection systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable movement detection and alarm capabilities for preventing registration loss.
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 solution reduces the likelihood of lost registration and allows for real-time monitoring of the patient reference device's position, enabling timely adjustments and maintaining accurate anatomical tracking during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial measurement unit in the attachment base to detect a change in position of the attachment base and to output a motion signal representing the change in position and its magnitude
Implementation Method 2
an optically-trackable array including a plurality of fiducials in a fixed geometric pattern to be detected by the optical navigation system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices to track patient anatomy during a surgical operation. A patient reference device is attached to an anatomical feature of a patient and it includes an attachment base and an optically-trackable array detectable by an optical navigation system and having a longitudinally-extending arm to space apart the fixed geometric pattern from the anatomical feature. The arm includes a connector to be detachably secured to the attachment base. An inertial measurement unit within the attachment base enables determining, based on comparing a threshold level to a motion signal, that the attachment base has changed position, wherein the motion signal represents the change in position and its magnitude. Based on determining that the attachment base has changed position an alarm signal is generated an and an output device in the attachment base outputs an alarm in response to the alarm signal.