Robotic Disc Prosthesis Implantation With Repeatable Vertebral Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervertebral disc prosthesis implantation techniques face challenges in achieving precise and efficient placement, leading to prolonged surgery times, excessive radiation exposure, and increased risk of injury due to repeated instrument insertions, with current prostheses often experiencing issues with wear, tear, and improper fit.
Innovation Solution
A robotic-assisted method for intervertebral disc prosthesis implantation that utilizes a robotic arm to accurately position and insert multiple trial discs, cutters, and finally the prosthesis, ensuring each instrument returns to the same location relative to the vertebrae, reducing the need for repeated X-ray verification and minimizing surgical time and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual implantation techniques are used, then the surgeon has flexibility in adjustment, but the surgery time is prolonged and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with a robotic system that uses computer-controlled actuators to position trial discs and cutters. The robotic arm, guided by preoperative imaging data and real-time verification, automatically inserts instruments at precisely calculated locations, eliminating the time-consuming manual trial-and-error process while maintaining surgical flexibility through programmable motion paths and force feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the optimal placement positions of trial discs and cutters based on preoperative CT scans and 3D modeling. The robotic program is prepared in advance with the exact motion paths and insertion depths, allowing the surgeon to simply activate the pre-planned sequence during surgery without repeated manual adjustment and verification.
2Measurement precision
If repeated instrument insertions are performed for verification, then placement accuracy can be verified, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms where trial discs and cutters are equipped with verification markers that can be detected by intraoperative imaging systems. The system uses this feedback to confirm precise placement without requiring repeated manual insertions. The robotic arm can be programmed to hold instruments at verified positions, and force sensors detect when the correct position is achieved, eliminating the need for multiple radiation-based verification cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the patient's spine anatomy through preoperative CT scanning and 3D modeling. This virtual replica allows the surgeon to plan and verify the exact placement positions of all instruments and the final prosthesis before making any incisions. The robotic system then transfers this pre-verified digital plan to the physical surgery site, reducing or eliminating the need for repeated intraoperative radiation verification.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple trial discs are inserted manually, then the correct size can be determined, but the risk of injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual insertion of multiple trial discs with a robotic system that uses computer-controlled actuators to position and insert trial discs of different sizes. The robotic arm, guided by preoperative imaging data and real-time verification, automatically inserts instruments at precisely calculated locations, eliminating the time-consuming manual trial-and-error process while maintaining surgical flexibility through programmable motion paths and force feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the optimal placement positions of trial discs and cutters based on preoperative CT scans and 3D modeling. The robotic program is prepared in advance with the exact motion paths and insertion depths, allowing the surgeon to simply activate the pre-planned sequence during surgery without repeated manual adjustment and verification.
4Productivity
If traditional implantation methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm for physical manipulation, a computer control system for coordination, an imaging system for verification, and a surgical instrument library for different tasks. This modular architecture allows the complexity to be distributed across independent components that can be operated semi-automatically, with the robotic arm executing pre-programmed motions while the surgeon maintains oversight and can intervene as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various implantation tasks through a single integrated platform. The same robotic arm can insert trial discs, cutters, and the final prosthesis, and can perform both positioning and verification functions. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices and manual procedures into one streamlined system, improving productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for robotically assisted disc prosthesis selection and implantation. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the intended surgical site and identifying and storing data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A computing system for stores and processes the 3D model and the position data. A robot connected to the computing system attaches to a plurality of instruments including sizing templates, trials, cutters or placement instruments for intervertebral disc prostheses. An interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to sequentially deliver the plurality of instruments with the robot to a registration position to improve the speed and accuracy of the surgical procedure.