Pedicle Locator Instrument Using Static Permittivity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spine surgery techniques rely heavily on image guidance for pedicle screw placement, which is time-consuming, costly, and poses risks to patients due to prolonged exposure to radiation and increased surgical complications.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated pedicle locator instrument that measures static permittivity by sensing dielectric constants to accurately identify pedicles in vertebral structures, using capacitors and circuitry to differentiate between pedicle and surrounding tissue, with adjustable settings for different vertebral body types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image guidance is used to locate pedicle screws, then placement accuracy is improved, but operative time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex image guidance systems (fluoroscopy, CT scanning) with a simple manual instrument that uses mechanical sensing through bone density detection. The instrument directly measures bone characteristics through tactile feedback and electrical resistance, eliminating the need for repeated imaging during surgery while maintaining accurate pedicle localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument creates a simplified model of the internal bone structure by measuring electrical resistance and bone density at the surface. This allows the surgeon to identify pedicle locations and anatomical variations without needing to view actual internal images, effectively copying the essential information needed for accurate screw placement in a simplified format.
2Measurement precision
If image guidance is used to locate pedicle screws, then placement accuracy is improved, but patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging systems with a non-invasive manual instrument that uses electrical resistance measurement and mechanical sensing. This eliminates exposure to ionizing radiation for both patient and surgical team while maintaining the ability to accurately identify pedicle locations through bone density and electrical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument allows the surgeon to directly assess bone characteristics and pedicle locations through the instrument's sensing capabilities, eliminating the need for external imaging equipment. The surgeon gains direct feedback about bone density and anatomical structures, reducing patient exposure to harmful radiation while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Loss of information
If fluoroscopic x-ray is used for identification, then pedicle location is determined, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic x-ray imaging with a manual instrument that uses electrical resistance measurement and mechanical pressure sensing to identify pedicle locations. The instrument detects variations in bone density and electrical properties to locate pedicles, providing the necessary anatomical information without any ionizing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument creates an electrical and mechanical model of the underlying bone structure by measuring resistance and density variations. This allows the surgeon to map internal anatomical features and identify pedicle locations without needing to view actual x-ray images, effectively copying the diagnostic information in a radiation-free manner.
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 precise and non-invasive pedicle localization, reducing the need for image guidance and minimizing radiation exposure, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
sensing component 20 measures the static permittivity of pedicle material within bony vertebral structures by sensing the dielectric constant of the material and comparing it to the dielectric constant of surrounding material
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated pedicle locator instrument measures the static permittivity of matter to locate pedicles in vertebral or bony structures. The locator senses and compares the dielectric constants of the pedicle and the surrounding matter. When the operative component of the locator, the component which contains controlled capacitors, is placed over non-pedicle material, the locator will sense one dielectric constant. However, when it is placed over a pedicle, there is a different dielectric constant. The locator operates on this capacitance difference generated by differences in density. Circuitry in the locator senses this change and sends the change signal to indicator lights located on the locator. A switch on the locator allows the surgeon to select different levels of capacitance in order to identify thicknesses of different bony structures, i.e. structures in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebral bodies.