RF Beacon Bone Tracking for Pin-Free 3D Surgical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical tracking systems, such as computed assisted surgery (CAS), require optical trackers with large pins that cause patient discomfort and lack precision due to manual adjustments based on varying human anatomy, and lack a systematic way to adjust implant positions based on individual soft-tissue tension.
Innovation Solution
A radar-based tracking system using RF beacons with unique pulse signatures and Doppler shifted waves, combined with machine learning algorithms, to track objects in 3D space, allowing for precise implant positioning without line-of-sight constraints and considering patient-specific factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical trackers with large pins are used to track bones during surgery, then the computer can identify bones, but the pins cause fractures and more pain for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical tracking system with a magnetic field-based tracking system. Instead of using physical pins that penetrate bone, the system uses magnetic sensors and field generators to track bone position and movement non-invasively, eliminating patient pain and fracture risk while maintaining tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field generators and sensors as intermediary elements between the tracking system and the bone. These intermediaries enable indirect tracking through soft tissue without direct bone contact, allowing accurate bone position detection while avoiding the harmful effects of direct pin insertion
2Reliability
If optical trackers with bulky apparatus are used, then bone tracking is possible, but the system requires line of sight and large amounts of hardware and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical hardware system with a magnetic field-based system that uses smaller field generators and sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky cameras, complex optical pathways, and extensive software processing, while enabling tracking without line-of-sight constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generators serve multiple functions: they generate the magnetic field for tracking, provide spatial orientation references, and enable tracking through various tissues. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity compared to dedicated optical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual techniques are used to achieve balanced soft tissue, then implant positioning can be adjusted, but the results are not accurate or reproducible due to varying human anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through continuous magnetic tracking of bone position and implant orientation. This feedback enables precise measurement of implant positioning relative to anatomical landmarks and soft tissue structures, allowing accurate adjustments based on actual patient anatomy rather than manual estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of implant positioning parameters based on measured soft tissue tension and anatomical variations. By changing positioning parameters in real-time based on tracked data, the system achieves both adaptability to individual anatomy and high measurement precision
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
Enhances surgical precision and safety by providing sub-millimeter accurate tracking of bones and medical devices, reducing patient discomfort and improving reproducibility through customized implant positioning based on patient demographics and surgeon preferences.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of radio frequency transceivers are configured to emit a radio frequency signal... the radio frequency beacon configured to: reflect the radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
the radio frequency beacon configured to... emit vibration-based signals
Implementation Method 3
RF beacons that have unique pulse signatures generating Doppler shifted waves, i.e., RF signals, which can be tracked
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a system for medical object tracking is provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency transceivers where each of the plurality of radio frequency transceivers are configured to emit a radio frequency signal at a respective frequency. The system includes a radio frequency beacon removably attachable to a medical object where the radio frequency beacon configured to: reflect the radio frequency signals from the plurality of radio frequency transceivers, and emit vibration-based signals. The system includes a control device in communication with the plurality of radio frequency transceivers where the control device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a location of the medical object in three-dimensional space based at least in part on the reflected radio frequency signals and vibration-based signals.