Adjustable Depth Limiter for Robotic Arthroplasty Reamer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic-assisted surgical procedures for hip arthroplasty face challenges in accurately and efficiently reaming the acetabulum due to the need for extensive imaging and the use of fixed depth stops or virtual models, which increase procedure time and risk of under or over-reaming.
Innovation Solution
A depth limiter system for a surgical reamer that can precisely limit the maximum cutting depth based on limited fluoroscopic imaging, eliminating the need for fixed depth stops and virtual models, and allowing for quick and precise reaming with minimal robotic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed depth stops or virtual models are used to control reaming depth, then cutting depth precision is improved, but procedure time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter features an adjustable depth stop that can be dynamically repositioned along the reamer shaft to accommodate different reaming depth requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple fixed depth stops or complex virtual model setup, allowing quick adaptation to various surgical scenarios while maintaining precise depth control and reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the depth parameter by simply repositioning the adjustable depth stop mechanism along the reamer shaft. This parameter adjustment can be performed quickly without requiring extensive imaging or complex robotic guidance setup, thereby maintaining cutting depth precision while significantly reducing the time required for parameter changes during the surgical procedure
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive fluoroscopic imaging is performed to determine reaming depth, then cutting depth precision is improved, but procedure time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable depth stop can be pre-positioned on the reamer shaft based on pre-operative planning or intra-operative assessment before the actual reaming begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for extensive intra-operative fluoroscopic imaging to determine depth, as the depth parameter is already established and mechanically configured, thereby reducing both procedure time and radiation exposure while maintaining depth precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for extensive imaging-based depth determination with a mechanical depth limiting mechanism. The adjustable depth stop provides direct mechanical control over reaming depth, substituting the need for repeated fluoroscopic imaging to verify depth, thus reducing radiation exposure and procedure time while maintaining accurate cutting depth control
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable depth limiter is used instead of fixed depth stop, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable depth stop is nested within or integrated with the reamer shaft structure, allowing it to slide along predetermined guide features or grooves on the shaft. This nesting approach provides adjustability for different reaming depths while keeping the overall device structure compact and relatively simple, as the adjustment mechanism utilizes existing structural features of the reamer rather than requiring separate complex adjustment assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A robotically controlled depth limiter for a reamer, the depth limiter including a cylindrical housing configured to encompass a portion of a driveshaft of a reamer. The cylindrical housing can define a bore extending therethrough. The depth limiter can include a depth stop engaging the cylindrical housing within the bore, and define an opening configured to receive the driveshaft of the reamer. The depth stop can be configured to receive a signal via processing circuitry of a robotic arm to operate the depth stop to limit distal translation of the driveshaft relative to the cylindrical housing to control a cutting depth of the reamer.