Robotic Imaging Platform for Spine Surgery Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided spine surgery technologies face challenges such as high radiation exposure for surgeons and patients, complex system operation, and limited intraoperative image quality, which hinder the acceptance and efficiency of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A robotic imaging and tool-holding system with three integrated robots for advanced 2D and 3D image acquisition, automated image registration, universal tool calibration, and advanced tool guidance, allowing for precise and easy operation while reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If live fluoroscopic guidance is used to guide spine surgery, then the surgeon can visualize the surgical field in real-time, but the surgeon and patient are exposed to high levels of radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy using preoperative CT or MRI scans, and overlays this virtual model with real-time fluoroscopic images through registration techniques. This allows the surgeon to navigate using the virtual 3D model rather than relying solely on live fluoroscopy, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining surgical guidance accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms 2D fluoroscopic images into 3D virtual anatomical models through registration and reconstruction algorithms. By adding the third dimension to the visualization, surgeons can better understand complex spatial relationships without increasing radiation exposure, as the 3D model can be manipulated and viewed from multiple angles using the same fluoroscopic data
2Measurement precision
If pre-surgical CT scans are used for image guidance, then high-resolution reformatted views are obtained, but the image-to-patient registration process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual, mechanical registration processes with automated computational algorithms. Optical tracking systems and electromagnetic field-based tracking replace manual landmark identification and physical registration tools, enabling rapid automatic registration of preoperative images with intraoperative anatomy through software-based image-to-patient transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The registration system performs self-calibration and automatic alignment by identifying anatomical landmarks and features through image processing algorithms. The system automatically matches preoperative CT/MRI images with intraoperative fluoroscopic images without requiring extensive manual intervention, reducing registration time while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging systems and robots are integrated for advanced imaging capabilities, then image quality and surgical precision are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal, standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that allow different imaging devices (C-arms, cone-beam CT, fluoroscopes) to be integrated through common attachment points and control protocols. This multi-functional platform approach reduces the need for custom integration for each imaging modality, simplifying system complexity while maintaining enhanced imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple imaging modalities and robotic functions into a single integrated platform where the robotic arm can hold and position various imaging devices, and the control system unifies navigation, tracking, and imaging control. By merging these functions into one coordinated system rather than separate independent systems, the overall operational complexity is reduced despite the enhanced capabilities
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex image acquisition hardware is used for virtual fluoroscopy, then radiation exposure is reduced, but the system requires complex hardware and operational procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal C-arm fluoroscope that can operate in multiple modes (live fluoroscopy, still images, cone-beam CT) and serves both as the primary imaging device and as the data source for virtual fluoroscopy reconstruction. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware for virtual fluoroscopy, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining radiation reduction benefits
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 system enhances accuracy and precision, decreases surgical time, and simplifies the operation of image-guided spine surgery by providing high-quality imaging and reducing radiation exposure for both patients and surgeons.
Implementation Method 1
These robotic arm systems are able to move and provide three-dimensional (3D) tomographic scans, static radiographic images, and dynamic fluoroscopic image sequences
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging platform system that provides integrated navigation capabilities for surgical guidance. The system can include two robotic arm systems, one robotic arm system holding an imaging source, and the other holding an imaging sensor. These robotic arm systems are able to move and provide three-dimensional tomographic scans, static radiographic images, and dynamic fluoroscopic image sequences. A third robotic arm system can be included in the imaging platform system as a surgeon guided tool-holder to accurately implement an image-guided surgical plan. The robotic systems can manipulate imaging and surgical components into and out of the operative field as needed, enhancing the choreography between a surgical team and assistive technology. A handle can be included as part of a manual positioning control subsystem. The handle can be mounted to an imaging robotic system above and/or below an operating table, and also can be mounted to a tool-holding robotic system.