Sealed Surgical Navigation Tracker for Autoclave-Resistant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive tracking elements in surgical navigation systems deteriorate due to repeated autoclaving, necessitating cumbersome replacement and added expense.
Innovation Solution
A tracker design with a sealed enclosure that protects the tracking element from autoclaving fluids, using a lens, plug, and sealing elements to maintain sterility and extend the element's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive tracking elements are used in surgical navigation systems, then the tracker can reflect light for position and orientation detection, but the tracking elements deteriorate when repeatedly exposed to pressurized steam during autoclaving
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker is divided into separate sterilizable components (tracker body, coupler) and a non-sterilizable tracking element assembly. The tracking element is housed in a sealed enclosure that protects it from autoclave steam, allowing the tracker body to be sterilized repeatedly while the tracking element remains protected inside its sealed housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed enclosure acts as an intermediary barrier between the tracking element and the autoclave steam environment. This sealed housing allows the tracking element to be isolated from harmful steam exposure while still enabling the external tracker components to undergo repeated sterilization cycles.
2Reliability
If tracking elements are replaced after each surgical procedure to maintain performance, then light-reflecting qualities are preserved, but this is cumbersome and associated with added expense
Solution Approach 1:
The design inverts the traditional approach by making the tracker body disposable and the tracking element reusable. The sealed enclosure protects the expensive tracking element from damage, allowing it to be reused across multiple procedures while the inexpensive tracker body is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for frequent tracking element replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker body is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after each procedure, while the valuable tracking element is recovered and reused by transferring it to a new tracker body. The sealed enclosure enables this recovery process by protecting the tracking element during sterilization and handling.
3Reliability
If the tracker components are separated into sterilizable and non-sterilizable parts, then the tracking element can be protected from autoclaving, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking element is nested within a sealed enclosure that is integrated into the tracker body structure. This nested design allows the tracking element to be protected inside the tracker housing while maintaining a compact, integrated appearance. The coupler assembly nests the tracking element within the tracker body, creating a unified structure that simplifies handling despite the internal complexity.
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 tracker allows for repeated autoclaving without replacing the tracking element, extending its operational lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a lens and a tracking element positionable in the opening, and a plug to seal the opening at a first end, position the tracking element within the opening, and support the lens within the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A tracker for a navigation system. A tracker body defines an opening, and a lens is positionable to seal the opening. A plug is configured to be coupled to the tracker body to secure the lens. A tracking element may be disposed between the lens and the plug so as to be visible through the lens. The tracking element may be disposed within a sealed enclosure defined by the lens and the plug. The plug may define a counterbore in fluid communication with the opening, and the plug may be at least partially disposed within the counterbore. The plug may further define a groove, and the tracker may include a sealing element disposed within the groove. The plug may include a shoulder configured to in sealing engagement with the tracker body. Methods of assembling the tracker for use with the navigation system are also disclosed.