3D Model Pedicle Screw Insertion Axis Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for placing pedicle screws during spinal surgery lack precision, leading to potential injury to adjacent nervous and vascular structures and the need for additional surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a 3D model of the organ to determine an optimal entry point and orientation for pedicle screw insertion, allowing for precise positioning by choosing an easily identifiable entry point and adjusting the screw's orientation based on distinct axes passing through it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional X-ray based methods are used to determine screw position, then the procedure is simplified and economical, but the spatial precision of screw placement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew placement precisionVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D X-ray imaging to 3D surface modeling of the vertebra. By creating a three-dimensional digital model from multiple 2D images and identifying entry points and orientation vectors in 3D space, the system achieves superior spatial precision for screw placement while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise screw positioning is achieved through complex 3D analysis, then spatial precision is improved, but the ease of operation during surgery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrew placement precisionVSAvoidsurgical procedure ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs all complex 3D analysis, entry point identification, and orientation vector determination during the preoperative planning phase. The resulting digital model and calculated parameters are then used to guide the actual surgical procedure, allowing the surgeon to simply follow pre-determined precise instructions rather than performing complex calculations intraoperatively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's vertebra from medical imaging data. This virtual model allows for precise measurement, entry point identification, and orientation calculation without requiring the surgeon to perform these complex tasks on the actual anatomy during surgery. The digital twin serves as a planning tool that guides the physical surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If entry points are determined based on theoretical optimization, then screw position is optimized, but the ease of identifying entry points during surgery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry point accuracyVSAvoidentry point identification ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies specific local surface features on the 3D vertebra model that correspond to optimal entry points. By analyzing the local geometry and morphology of the pedicle region in three dimensions, the system pinpoint`s precise entry locations that optimize screw trajectory while accounting for individual anatomical variations. These localized features can be more easily identified on the 3D model than theoretical points projected from 2D images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4120946B1Method and device for assisting an invasive procedure on a human or animal organ
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 PYTHEAS NAVIGATION
  • EP4120946B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4120946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4120946B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention particularly relates to a method for assisting an invasive procedure on a human or animal organ, the procedure involving inserting at least one element into the organ, the method comprising: (1) obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least one portion of the organ; (2) determining, on the obtained three-dimensional model, at least one entry point for the at least one element; (3) determining an insertion axis for inserting the at least one element into the organ, as a function of the three-dimensional model, of the at least one determined entry point and of a plurality of separate axes passing through the at least one entry point, the plurality of axes being defined by the intersection of a first and a second plane, the first and second planes comprising the at least one entry point; (4) displaying a cross-section of the three-dimensional model along the first plane, the first plane forming a first angle relative to a first reference associated with the three-dimensional model; and (5) modifying the value of said first angle, with the display of a cross-section along the first plane being adapted to said modification of the first angle.