Rotating Surgical Marker Adapter for Re-Attachment Without Re-Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

During image-guided surgery, patient markers need to be re-registered if they are moved or re-attached, disrupting the registration process and requiring new image analysis, which complicates the tracking of the patient and tool positions.

Innovation Solution

A patient marker system with a base and adapter that allows multiple orientations without requiring new image analysis, using indicators and verification points to maintain tracking, enabling adjustments while preserving registration accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the patient marker is fixedly attached to the patient, then the registration remains valid and tracking is maintained, but the marker cannot be adjusted to provide access to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration validityVSAvoidmarker adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The marker system is divided into multiple segments: a base that attaches to the patient, an adapter that connects to the base, and an alignment target that attaches to the adapter. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and oriented, enabling adjustment of the marker's orientation while maintaining its attachment to the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marker system transitions from a static, fixed attachment to a dynamic, multi-orientation system. The adapter allows the alignment target to be rotated to different orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) relative to the base, enabling the marker to be adjusted during surgery while maintaining registration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the marker is moved and re-attached, then access to the patient is improved, but the registration needs to be repeated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient accessVSAvoidre-registration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is pre-configured with multiple orientation options and corresponding indicators. Before surgery, all possible orientations of the alignment target are prepared on the adapter. During surgery, the surgeon can switch between orientations without moving the base or performing re-registration, as all orientations are pre-established with known transformation matrices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter creates multiple copies of the alignment target in different orientations, each with its own indicator. This allows the system to reference pre-known transformation matrices for each orientation, eliminating the need for re-registration when switching between orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple orientations of the marker are provided, then adjustability during surgery is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker orientation optionsVSAvoidmarker structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it connects the alignment target to the base, provides rotational adjustment to multiple orientations, and includes indicators for orientation identification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the base and the alignment target. It mediates the connection and enables orientation changes without requiring direct manipulation of the base or the alignment target, simplifying the overall interaction while providing multiple orientations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If indicators are added to indicate orientation angles, then orientation tracking is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation indicationVSAvoidmarker fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Indicators on the adapter and base use color coding or visual patterns to indicate different orientations. For example, colored dots, rings, or patterns change appearance or position based on the adapter's rotation, providing clear visual feedback for orientation identification without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS12491044B2Rotating marker and adapter for image-guided surgery

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 AUGMEDICS LTD

AI summary

A patient marker couples to an anchoring device via a base having a base axis, base connections and a first indicator. The marker includes: an adapter having a first surface with connections configured to mate with the base connections, and a second surface with connections congruent with the base connections, and at least one second indicator. The marker includes an alignment target, having a target region with an alignment pattern, and a socket connected to the target region with socket connections congruent with the first surface connections. In a first configuration the socket couples to the base by mating the first surface connections with the base connections and mating the socket connections with the second surface connections. In a second configuration, the socket fits onto the base by mating the socket connections with the base connections. One of the indicators indicates a target orientation angle about the base axis.