Robotic Cut Guide Alignment Under Patient Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical cutting guide technologies face challenges in precision due to patient movement and obstructed visual access, and the integration of robotics in surgery often comes with high costs and longer procedural times.
Innovation Solution
A robotic arm system with a cut guide that uses a tracking and control system to establish zones around the surgical site, allowing for precise alignment and movement of a cutting device within these zones, enabling both autonomous and interactive control to ensure accurate cuts while minimizing the impact of patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a manual cut guide is used for surgical cutting, then the surgeon can perform the procedure with standard equipment, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to patient movement and obstructed visual access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated robotic system that uses tracking technology and computer-controlled movement to position the cut guide. The robotic arm with tracking markers enables automated alignment based on pre-operative planning, eliminating the need for manual placement and reducing errors from patient movement or obstructed views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy through imaging and 3D reconstruction, then uses this digital model to plan and guide the physical cutting procedure. The robotic system replicates the planned cut geometry from the virtual model, ensuring precision while allowing the physical guide to be positioned more flexibly.
2Manufacturing precision
If a robotic system is used to control surgical cutting devices, then cutting precision is improved, but the procedural time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all surgical planning, 3D reconstruction, and cut path calculation before the surgery begins. The robotic system then executes the pre-planned procedure with automated positioning and cutting, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative adjustments and reducing overall procedure time despite the initial setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system autonomously positions the cut guide and performs cutting operations based on pre-programmed instructions from the surgical plan. The system self-corrects for patient movement through real-time tracking, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and shortening the active surgical time.
3Manufacturing precision
If a robotic system is used to control surgical cutting devices, then cutting precision is improved, but the equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed to perform multiple surgical tasks beyond just cutting, including positioning guides, performing burring operations, and validating cut accuracy. This multi-functionality justifies the higher initial cost by providing long-term value across various surgical procedures and reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
4Ease of operation
If manual control of the cutting device is used, then the surgeon has full control over the procedure, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to human error and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the physical cutting operation. The surgeon controls the robotic arm through a user interface, and the robot translates these commands into precise movements while compensating for patient movement through real-time tracking, combining surgeon control with machine precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a system and method for surgical tracking and control are generally described herein. A system may include a robotic arm configured to allow interactive movement and controlled autonomous movement of an end effector, a cut guide mounted to the end effector of the robotic arm, the cut guide configured to guide a surgical instrument within a plane, a tracking system to determine a position and an orientation of the cut guide, and a control system to permit or prevent interactive movement or autonomous movement of the end effector.