Robotic Pedicle Screw Head Orientation Under Obstructed Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual orientation and locking of pedicle screw heads during surgical procedures are challenging due to obstructed visibility and difficulty in achieving precise orientations, which can prolong surgical time and compromise patient safety.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a robotic arm is used to automatically orient and lock pedicle screw heads to predetermined orientations, enabling precise planning and execution of pedicle screw positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual orientation and locking of pedicle screw heads is performed, then surgeon control and adaptability are maintained, but surgical time increases and precision decreases due to obstructed visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with a robotic system that uses automated mechanisms for orienting and locking pedicle screw heads. The robotic arm with surgical tool automatically positions and secures the screw heads at predetermined orientations, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs the orientation and locking operations autonomously based on pre-planned trajectories and orientations. The system self-manages the complex tasks of positioning and securing multiple pedicle screw heads without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing surgical time and improving consistency.
2Productivity
If manual locking of screw heads is performed, then flexibility in adjustment is maintained, but surgical complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary planning of pedicle screw head orientations and positions before the actual surgical procedure. The robotic system executes these pre-determined trajectories and orientations automatically, simplifying the intraoperative process and improving surgical efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions including positioning, orienting, and locking of pedicle screw heads within a single automated platform. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate manual operations, improving productivity while managing system complexity through integration.
3Reliability
If precise orientation of pedicle screw heads is achieved manually, then accuracy improves, but surgical time and difficulty increase due to obstructed visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated robotic system that precisely positions and locks pedicle screw heads. This substitution eliminates the operational difficulties associated with manual manipulation and obstructed visibility, while maintaining high reliability through automated precision and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and orientation of pedicle screw heads in real-time, comparing actual positions against predetermined trajectories. This feedback loop ensures accurate placement and locking, enhancing patient safety through verified precision while simplifying the operational process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for setting an implant are provided. A robotic arm may automatically orient a screw head to a predetermined orientation relative to a pedicle screw. The screw head may be pivotably coupled to the pedicle screw. The robotic arm may lock the screw head in the predetermined position.