Surgical Navigation With Precomputed Imaging-Device Positions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical navigation systems require manual adjustment of imaging devices on a trial and error basis, leading to time consumption and increased radiation exposure due to multiple image captures.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize virtual techniques to adjust a three-dimensional image view and create synthetic two-dimensional reconstructions, allowing for pre-saved position addresses to guide or automate the positioning of imaging devices for desired views, reducing the need for manual adjustments and radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of imaging devices is used on a trial and error basis, then the imaging process can be performed, but time consumption increases and radiation exposure increases due to multiple image captures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment processVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing position addresses (coordinates) for desired imaging views before the actual surgical procedure. The navigation system creates a 3D model of the patient's anatomy and pre-determines optimal imaging positions, so that during surgery the imaging device can be quickly positioned using these pre-computed coordinates without trial-and-error adjustments, thereby reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated navigation system. Instead of manually positioning the imaging device based on trial and error, the system uses computer-generated position addresses and automated guidance to precisely position the device. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated computational positioning reduces both time consumption and radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of imaging devices is used on a trial and error basis, then the imaging process can be performed, but radiation exposure increases due to multiple image captures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment processVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing position addresses (coordinates) for desired imaging views before the actual surgical procedure. The navigation system creates a 3D model of the patient's anatomy and pre-determines optimal imaging positions, so that during surgery the imaging device can be quickly positioned using these pre-computed coordinates without trial-and-error adjustments, thereby reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated navigation system. Instead of manually positioning the imaging device based on trial and error, the system uses computer-generated position addresses and automated guidance to precisely position the device. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated computational positioning reduces both time consumption and radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If virtual techniques are used to adjust three-dimensional image view and create synthetic two-dimensional reconstructions, then precise positioning is achieved and time is saved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime savingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating virtual copies of the imaging process. Instead of physically moving the imaging device multiple times to test different positions, the system creates virtual 3D models and synthetic 2D reconstructions that replicate what the actual images would look like from different positions. This virtual copying allows surgeons to plan and preview imaging positions without physical trial-and-error, saving time while the system complexity is managed through software-based virtual modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12453608B2Systems and methods for surgical navigation

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 NUVASIVE INC

AI summary

Imaging systems and methods may facilitate positioning an imaging device in a procedure room. A 3D image of a subject may be obtained, where the subject is to have a procedure performed thereon. A view of the 3D image of the subject may be adjusted to a desired view and an associated 2D image reconstruction at the desired view may be obtained. A position for the imaging device that is associated with the desired view of the 3D image of the subject may be identified. Adjusting a view of the 3D image to a desired view and obtaining a 2D image reconstruction may be performed pre-procedure, such that a user may be able to create a list of desired views pre. A user may adjust a physical position of the imaging device to obtain reconstructed 2D preview images at the adjusted physical position of the imaging device prior to capturing an image.