Robotic Navigation System for Surgical Instrument Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot-assisted surgery systems face challenges in accurately navigating and placing interbody fusion devices due to issues with tracking accuracy and the need for improved navigation of surgical instruments, particularly in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical robotic system with navigable instrumentation and navigation software that includes a robot arm, end-effector, articulating arm, and camera for detecting tracking markers, allowing for precise placement of interbody fusion devices and other surgical instruments by tracking markers and providing real-time navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared signal-based position recognition systems use passive reflective spherical balls or active infrared transmitters for tracking surgical instruments, then the system can determine the 3D position of instruments, but tracking accuracy may be lost or reduced due to signal interference or marker visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies retro-reflective markers with specific optical properties that reflect infrared light back to the cameras, enhancing the visibility and detectability of markers. The markers are designed to change their reflective properties based on the infrared illumination, improving tracking accuracy while maintaining reliability through optimized optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts tracking parameters including infrared LED illumination intensity, camera exposure settings, and marker detection thresholds based on real-time conditions. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures consistent tracking accuracy across varying surgical environments while maintaining reliable marker detection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the robotic system uses complex navigation software and multiple tracking markers for precise instrument placement, then surgical precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into modular components: separate tracking cameras, independent robot arms with integrated sensors, distinct software modules for image processing and trajectory calculation, and separate control interfaces. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall surgical precision, reducing system complexity through clear separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system employs universal components that perform multiple functions: the same robot arm structure handles both positioning and instrument manipulation, the navigation software simultaneously performs marker detection, trajectory planning, and real-time guidance, and the tracking system serves both registration and intraoperative navigation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high surgical precision.
3Reliability
If the system uses real-time tracking and navigation for instrument placement, then surgical safety and accuracy are improved, but the time required for navigation and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions including pre-operative imaging and registration, pre-planning of surgical trajectories, and pre-calibration of the robotic system and navigation components before the actual surgical procedure. This preliminary setup, while time-consuming, establishes accurate reference frames and planned paths that enable rapid, safe, and precise instrument placement during surgery, reducing intraoperative time and improving surgical safety.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of interbody fusion device placement and surgical instrument navigation, reducing the need for fluoroscopy and improving surgical precision and safety by providing real-time tracking and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared transmitters transmit a signal, and the reflective spherical balls reflect the signal to aid in determining the position of the object in 3D
Implementation Method 2
In passive sensors or markers, objects to be tracked may include passive sensors, such as reflective spherical balls, which are positioned at strategic locations on the object to be tracked
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for a robot-assisted surgery. Navigable instrumentation, which are capable of being navigated by a surgeon using the surgical robot system, and navigation software allow for the navigated placement of interbody fusion devices or other surgical devices.