Robotic Cut Selection Logic for Precise Bone Resection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotically-assisted surgical systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently creating planar surfaces and pilot holes in bones during joint replacement procedures, which affect the alignment and positioning of prosthetic components, and thus the surgical outcome.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system that includes a robotic device with a tracking system and computing system to guide and control surgical tools, using a surgical plan to automatically select and execute planned cuts and holes based on predefined checkpoints, ensuring precise alignment of prosthetic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual surgical techniques are used to create planar surfaces and pilot holes, then the surgical procedure can be completed with simpler equipment, but the alignment precision and positioning accuracy of prosthetic components deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precision of prosthetic componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of surgical system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical system is divided into distinct functional modules: a robotic device for executing surgical tasks, a tracking system for monitoring positions, and a computing system for control and planning. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific functions, improving overall precision while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical surgical techniques with an automated robotic system. The robotic device executes bone cuts and hole drilling under computer control, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical systems that provide superior precision and repeatability in creating planar surfaces and pilot holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If automated robotic systems are used to guide surgical cuts, then the manufacturing precision of bone surfaces improves, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of planar surfaces and pilot holesVSAvoidease of surgical system operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A surgical plan is established prior to performing the surgical procedure with the robotic system. The computing system receives the surgical plan and automatically determines the sequence of surgical tasks and parameters. This preliminary planning phase allows the complex automated system to operate smoothly during the actual surgery, reducing operational complexity by pre-resolving decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system continuously monitors the location of the robotic device relative to the patient's anatomy during the surgical procedure. This real-time feedback is provided to the computing system, which adjusts control signals to maintain precise alignment and positioning, enabling the complex system to self-correct and operate more easily during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple predefined checkpoints are used to guide the surgical device, then the positioning accuracy of prosthetic components improves, but the measurement and detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of surgical deviceVSAvoiddifficulty of tracking checkpoints

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system serves as an intermediary between the physical surgical device and the computing system. It continuously monitors and reports the location of the robotic device relative to predefined checkpoints and the patient's anatomy, translating complex spatial measurements into actionable data that simplifies the detection and measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the robotic device autonomously executes surgical tasks, then the surgical efficiency and productivity improve, but the extent of automation required increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure efficiencyVSAvoidlevel of autonomous control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The computing system receives a comprehensive surgical plan before the procedure begins and automatically determines the sequence of surgical tasks, parameters, and checkpoints. This preliminary automated planning enables the robotic device to autonomously execute tasks during surgery without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby improving productivity while managing automation complexity through pre-computed instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260097501A1Robotic surgical system with cut selection logic

Publication Date: 2026.04.09 MAKO SURGICAL CORP

AI summary

A method of controlling a surgical system includes obtaining a surgical plan including a plurality of planned cuts associated with a plurality of bones of a patient, selecting a first bone of the plurality of bones by tracking a probe and automatically determining which of the plurality of bones is contacted by the probe, automatically selecting a first planned cut using stored associations between the plurality of planned cuts and the plurality of bones of the patient, and guiding execution of the first planned cut.