Adaptable Reference Frame Mount for Repositioning During Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference frames in image-guided spinal surgery are prone to interference during procedures, requiring re-registration due to potential bumping or temporary removal, which disrupts the surgical workflow and increases the need for additional imaging.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable mount for a reference frame with multiple degrees of movement, including telescoping, sliding, and swivel joints, allowing for precise repositioning without the need for re-registration, utilizing visual tracking systems to adjust the frame's pose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed reference frame is used in image-guided spinal surgery, then the initial registration is stable, but the reference frame is prone to interference and requires re-registration during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The reference frame mount incorporates multiple joints (telescoping joint, sliding joint, swivel joint) that enable dynamic repositioning of the reference frame during surgery. This transforms the fixed reference frame into a movable one that can be adjusted without breaking the registration, resolving the contradiction between registration stability and surgical workflow continuity.
2Ease of operation
If the reference frame is made movable to avoid interference, then surgical workflow is improved, but the positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a visual tracking system that continuously monitors the reference frame position and provides feedback to the surgical navigation system. This allows the reference frame to be moved freely while maintaining accurate positioning through real-time tracking and registration updates, resolving the contradiction between movability and positioning precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are added to enable repositioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into separate functional modules: a clamp for attachment to the spinous process, a telescoping joint for vertical adjustment, a sliding joint for lateral movement, and a swivel joint for angular repositioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, making the complex system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain while providing comprehensive repositioning capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods used to mount a patient reference frame for image-guided surgery are disclosed. The devices include an adaptable mount having first, second, and third joints that provide up to five axes of movement. One or more of the joints include discrete positions detectable by a visual tracking device to allow re-registration of the patient reference frame.