Robotic Planar Cutting System for Knee Arthroplasty Bone Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robots are limited in their ability to efficiently prepare a planar bone surface during knee arthroplasty procedures, often requiring large incisions and struggling to match the implant surface geometry, which complicates minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A robotically controlled planar cutting system with a cutting element housed in a surgical robot, featuring a cutting control mechanism that communicates with a robotic controller to control the operation of cutting implements, allowing for precise machining of planar surfaces using oscillating or rotating cutting mills or a flexible cutting band, and includes a shield to protect soft tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cutting tools are used in knee arthroplasty, then bone surface preparation can be performed, but large incisions are required and minimally invasive surgery is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is divided into multiple independent cutting elements (rotating cutting mills and oscillating cutting mills) that can be selectively positioned and activated. This segmentation allows the cutting function to be distributed across multiple small contact points rather than requiring a single large incision, enabling minimally invasive access while maintaining effective bone preparation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting system transitions from traditional linear cutting paths to multi-dimensional cutting actions by incorporating both rotating and oscillating cutting mills that can move in multiple directions. This dimensional expansion allows the cutting tool to access bone surfaces through smaller incisions by approaching from different angles and planes, reducing the need for large surgical exposures
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting methods are used, then bone surface preparation is achieved, but precision in matching implant surface geometry is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting control mechanism incorporates feedback from the robotic controller that monitors the position and orientation of the cutting elements in real-time. This feedback system allows continuous adjustment of the cutting mills' positions and cutting depths to maintain precise planarity and match the implant surface geometry, achieving high manufacturing precision through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes cutting parameters including the rotation speed of cutting mills, oscillation amplitude and frequency, cutting depth, and tool position to optimize bone surface preparation. These parameter adjustments are controlled by the cutting control mechanism to achieve the precise planar surface required for implant matching, managing device complexity through programmable parameter control
3Productivity
If traditional surgical approaches are used, then bone cutting can be performed, but surgical time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting system maintains continuous cutting action through the coordinated operation of multiple cutting mills that can work simultaneously on different portions of the bone surface. The robotic controller ensures continuous positioning and activation of cutting elements without interruption, eliminating the need for repeated tool changes or repositioning, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and planning of the cutting path using robotic navigation and pre-programmed trajectories. The cutting control mechanism is pre-configured with the desired bone surface geometry and implant alignment parameters, allowing the cutting operation to proceed efficiently without time-consuming adjustments during surgery, thus reducing overall surgical time
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
Enables precise and efficient preparation of planar bone surfaces, reducing surgical time and minimizing tissue damage by allowing for more accurate and controlled cutting, facilitating minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
using oscillating or rotating cutting mills
Implementation Method 2
using oscillating or rotating cutting mills
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of robotically controlled planar cutting systems and methods for controlling cutting systems to prepare bone tissue in surgical procedures, are generally described herein. Applicable surgical procedures for the robotically controlled cutting systems and methods include procedures involving the preparation (e.g., removal, surfacing) of bone tissue, such as is performed in knee arthroplasties.In an example, a robotically controlled planar cutting system can include a housing, a cutting element disposed in the housing, and a cutting control mechanism in communication with a robotic controller to control operation of the cutting element to machine a planar surface. The cutting element can be exposed and retracted relative to the housing and can include a plurality of cutting implements arranged to machine the planar surface.