Pedicle Screw Insertion Using Doppler Ultrasound Artery Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertebral column fixation techniques using pedicle screws are prone to complications such as vertebral artery damage and excessive radiation exposure due to reliance on clinical expertise and radiographic devices during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A screw surgical device and method utilizing Doppler ultrasound to monitor blood flow and provide real-time guidance for pedicle screw insertion, reducing the risk of vertebral artery damage and radiation exposure by sensing the vertebral artery through blood flow information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiographic devices such as X-ray are used to check screw insertion path during surgery, then insertion path can be verified, but surgery time increases and radiation exposure risk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiographic imaging systems with a Doppler ultrasound-based sensor system. The sensor part detects blood flow signals from the vertebral artery in real-time during screw insertion, providing immediate feedback on insertion path safety without requiring repeated X-ray imaging. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure and significantly reduces surgery time while maintaining verification capability.
2Measurement precision
If radiographic devices such as X-ray are used to check screw insertion path during surgery, then insertion path can be verified, but radiation exposure risk to patient and surgeon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiographic imaging systems with a Doppler ultrasound-based sensor system. The sensor part detects blood flow signals from the vertebral artery in real-time during screw insertion, providing immediate feedback on insertion path safety without requiring repeated X-ray imaging. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure and significantly reduces surgery time while maintaining verification capability.
3Strength
If pedicle screws are used for vertebral column fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but risk of vertebral artery damage increases due to reliance on surgeon experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by placing a sensor part that detects blood flow signals from the vertebral artery during screw insertion. When the screw insertion path approaches or contacts the vertebral artery, the sensor detects changes in blood flow characteristics and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon, allowing correction before damage occurs. This feedback mechanism significantly reduces the risk of vertebral artery damage while maintaining the fixation strength benefits of pedicle screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Doppler ultrasound sensor as an intermediary between the screw insertion process and the vertebral artery. The sensor indirectly detects the proximity and contact status by monitoring blood flow signal changes rather than directly measuring mechanical contact. This intermediary approach provides early warning of potential artery damage before actual contact occurs, enhancing safety while preserving fixation effectiveness.
4Ease of operation
If screw insertion relies on surgeon experience and clinical knowledge, then surgical judgment can be applied, but risk of incorrect screw insertion and serious complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by placing a sensor part that detects blood flow signals from the vertebral artery during screw insertion. When the screw insertion path approaches or contacts the vertebral artery, the sensor detects changes in blood flow characteristics and provides immediate feedback to the surgeon, allowing correction before damage occurs. This feedback mechanism significantly reduces the risk of vertebral artery damage while maintaining the fixation strength benefits of pedicle screws.
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 device accurately guides pedicle screw insertion, minimizing vertebral artery damage and radiation exposure by providing precise insertion path adjustments and depth control during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor part which monitors blood flow information about blood flow passing through an artery adjacent to the insertion path using an ultrasound probe installed at one end of the instrument part
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a screw surgical device and method and can provide a screw surgical device and method, which use Doppler ultrasound using surgery in which pedicle screws are used, so as to sense the vertebral artery, and thus can reduce risk of the vertebral artery damage and amount of radiation exposure. Particularly, the present disclosure can provide the screw surgical device and method, which use Doppler ultrasound using surgery so as to monitor blood flow information about arterial blood adjacent to an insertion path of a pedicle screw, and thus can improve accuracy of pedicle screw fixation.