RF Positioning Markers for Spine Surgery Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgery navigation systems face challenges such as positioning errors due to dynamic reference framework (DRF) movement, shielding by the patient or surgical instruments, and instability, especially when using infrared tracking systems, which affect the accuracy and convenience of spine positioning during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A positioning mark apparatus with a frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module and a miniaturized design that includes a positioning base with a lock and head structure, allowing for independent reference points on multiple vertebrae, reducing volume and increasing stability, and using a wireless technology to avoid shielding issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dynamic reference framework marker is used for positioning, then positioning can be achieved, but the marker is easily shielded by the patient's body or surgical instruments causing positioning failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the infrared optical tracking system with a radio frequency electromagnetic field-based positioning system. The positioning marker emits RF signals that can penetrate the patient's body and surgical instruments without being shielded, eliminating the shielding problem inherent in optical systems while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating wavelength from infrared optical frequencies to radio frequency ranges. This parameter change allows the positioning signals to penetrate tissues and metallic instruments that block infrared radiation, thereby resolving the shielding issue while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a dynamic reference framework is constructed after CT scans, then positioning reference is established, but space relative positions of vertebrae differ between scanning and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning markers are pre-installed on the patient's vertebrae before the CT scanning process. This preliminary action ensures that the markers remain in their exact anatomical positions throughout both scanning and surgery, eliminating any temporal displacement errors that would occur if markers were added after scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the positioning system into independent modular markers that can be individually installed on specific vertebrae. This segmentation allows for precise localization of each vertebral level without requiring a complete framework construction after scanning, thereby maintaining spatial accuracy while reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the calibration object is positioned higher than the body surface with large volume, then positioning reference is provided, but it affects the surgeon's operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the positioning markers from protruding above the body surface to being embedded within or flush with the skin surface. This dimensional change eliminates the obstruction to surgical operations while maintaining the markers' visibility and detectability through RF signal emission from beneath the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
By using RF electromagnetic field detection instead of optical visualization, the system no longer requires the markers to be visually prominent above the skin surface. The markers can be submerged or flush-mounted, eliminating interference with surgical operations while maintaining positioning functionality through non-optical detection.
4Ease of operation
If the calibration object structure clamps the spinous process, then attachment is achieved, but the structure is not stable enough and may move
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning markers are installed on the vertebrae before the surgical procedure begins, allowing for proper anatomical landmark identification and stable fixation. This preliminary installation ensures that the markers are securely attached to the correct vertebral levels before any surgical manipulation occurs, preventing movement during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical clamping structures with RF-based positioning markers that have simplified attachment mechanisms. These markers use stable fixation methods such as screws or adhesives directly to the bone or skin, eliminating the instability of clamping structures while maintaining ease of installation and providing superior positioning stability throughout surgery.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of spine positioning by providing independent reference points for each vertebra, reducing errors and improving surgical guidance efficiency, while minimizing patient discomfort and reducing the volume of the calibration object above the body surface.
Implementation Method 1
frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module
Implementation Method 2
frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module connected to the positioning base
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning mark apparatus of a surgery navigation system and an implementation instrument thereof are disclosed. The positioning mark apparatus includes a positioning base and a frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module. One end of the positioning base is a lock portion having a screw structure, another end is a head having a joint structure, and a free end of the head has a fitting structure. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module has a sleeving structure that cooperates with the head structure and buckles with the joint structure. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module includes an antenna unit, a printed circuit board unit electrically connected to the antenna unit, and an electronic component battery unit supplying power to the printed circuit board unit. The frequency modulated radio frequency positioning module may transmit, according to a received frequency modulated signal, a feedback signal including a radio frequency signal to the external.