Probe Movement Tracking for Surgical Site Clearance Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons lack a reliable method to ensure that a targeted anatomical structure is sufficiently cleared of matter during surgical procedures, leading to potential misjudgments about the installation site readiness, which can cause delays or improper implant installation.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system with a tracking array on an instrument navigated within the anatomical structure, using cameras to detect the instrument's position, and a computer system to record and display the instrument's path relative to an initial structure representation, allowing surgeons to determine the extent of matter removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgeons rely on tactile feel and mental mapping to assess matter removal, then the surgical process remains simple and quick to set up, but the reliability of determining installation site readiness deteriorates due to blind spots and subjective judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy or digital representation of the anatomical structure and the instrument's path through it. By tracking the instrument's position and recording its trajectory, the system generates a visual map that replicates the physical surgical process, allowing surgeons to assess matter removal reliability without direct visual feedback from the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical tactile assessment method with an optical/electronic tracking system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's tactile feel and mental mapping, the system uses cameras, tracking arrays, and computer processing to automatically record and display the instrument's path, substituting mechanical sense with electronic detection.
2Measurement precision
If surgeons navigate instruments through anatomical structures without real-time indicators, then the surgical setup remains simple, but the precision of determining how much matter remains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously tracking the instrument's position and displaying its path relative to the anatomical structure. This feedback loop allows surgeons to see exactly where the instrument has been and assess matter removal precision during the procedure, rather than relying on post-procedure evaluation or tactile cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the instrument's trajectory through the anatomical structure. By generating a digital map of the surgical path, the system enables precise measurement and assessment of matter removal without requiring complex physical measurement tools at the surgical site.
3Reliability
If surgeons attempt installation without verified clearance, then productivity is maintained, but the risk of improper implant installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the installation site readiness by tracking and recording the instrument's path before implant installation begins. By providing real-time visualization of matter removal progress, the system allows surgeons to verify clearance in advance, reducing the risk of improper implant installation without causing delays during the critical installation phase.
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
Provides a dependable way for surgeons to accurately assess the extent of matter removed, enhancing surgical precision and reducing the risk of incomplete site clearance.
Implementation Method 1
The instrument includes a tracking array, and a relative position of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure is determined by the tracking array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining an extent of matter removed from a targeted anatomical structure are disclosed. The method includes acquiring an initial representation of a targeted anatomical structure and then removing matter from the targeted anatomical structure. An instrument is then navigated within the targeted anatomical structure. The instrument includes a tracking array, and a relative position of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure is determined by the tracking array. The method includes recording the relative position of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure to determine a final representation of the targeted anatomical structure. Finally, the method includes determining an extent of matter removed from the targeted anatomical structure by comparing the initial representation of the targeted anatomical structure with the final representation of the targeted anatomical structure. Indicators are provided to convey the extent of matter remaining within the targeted anatomical structure.