Portable 3D Tracking Sensor for Surgical Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical registration methods require a navigation system with a camera fixed relative to the operating room, limiting the portability and flexibility of 3D tracking sensors during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system utilizing a 3D tracking sensor coupled to a registration probe and a trackable element, allowing for the determination of the pose of the trackable element relative to the sensor, and generating a point cloud to register objects to a three-dimensional representation without the need for a camera-based navigation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera-based navigation system is used for surgical registration, then the registration accuracy can be achieved, but the system portability and flexibility are limited due to the fixed camera requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical camera-based navigation system with a portable 3D tracking sensor system. The 3D tracking sensor uses optical fields instead of mechanical camera setups to achieve surgical registration, enabling the system to be moved and repositioned freely while maintaining registration accuracy through software-based tracking algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D tracking sensor serves multiple functions: it can track surgical tools, register patient anatomy, and provide real-time navigation guidance. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for separate fixed camera systems, improving both portability and versatility while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If a fixed camera-based navigation system is deployed, then registration can be performed, but the system complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the registration capability from the fixed camera system and implements it in a portable 3D tracking sensor. This separation allows the core registration function to be maintained while removing the complexity of fixed camera installations, tripods, and extensive calibration procedures associated with traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D tracking sensor system performs self-calibration and automatic registration without requiring complex manual setup procedures. The system automatically establishes coordinate systems and performs registration calculations, reducing the operational complexity and setup time compared to fixed camera-based systems.
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 portable registration of patient anatomy and surgical tools during procedures, allowing for real-time tracking and improved haptic control without the constraints of a fixed camera system.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D tracking sensor configured to track the trackable element
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (100) and methods for registration and navigation using a 3D tracking sensor are shown and described. The systems and methods utilize a 3D tracking sensor (36) coupled to a portable surgical element (38) to track a trackable element (40) fixed to an object. The pose of the trackable element is determined based at least in part on information provided by the 3D tracking sensor, and the object is registered to a three-dimensional representation of the object. The 3D tracking sensor can also be used to track various objects during a surgical procedure.