Self-Tracking Surgical Tool with Embedded Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-assisted surgery systems face challenges in reducing invasiveness, eliminating external fixtures, and improving precision and consistency in surgical procedures, particularly in orthopedic procedures, where existing navigation systems rely heavily on external markers and imaging modalities that require extensive patient movement or are limited to preoperative and post-operative use.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgery system that includes a graphical user interface, trackable markers on surgical tools and patient anatomy, and a tracking system to provide real-time feedback and guidance, allowing for reduced reliance on external fixtures and improved precision through software-assisted navigation and gesture recognition, enabling precise alignment and placement of instruments without the need for extensive imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external markers and imaging modalities are used for navigation, then surgical precision can be improved, but patient invasiveness increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the navigation functionality from external imaging modalities and markers, creating an internal sensor system embedded within the surgical tool itself. This eliminates the need for external C-arm fluoroscopes and separate tracking markers, achieving precision through self-contained sensing while reducing patient exposure to external imaging radiation and physical fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field sensing as an intermediary mechanism between the surgical tool and the navigation system. Instead of directly using external imaging markers, the system employs magnetic sensors to detect tool position and orientation through the body, providing precise navigation data without requiring external visual markers or invasive imaging procedures.
2Measurement precision
If external markers are attached to surgical tools, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tracking markers directly into the surgical tool structure, making them an integral part of the device rather than separate external attachments. This integration reduces system complexity by eliminating separate marker application steps and reduces invasiveness while maintaining continuous, precise tracking throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool becomes self-tracking through embedded magnetic sensors that automatically detect its own position and orientation. The tool serves its own navigation needs without requiring external tracking infrastructure, simplifying the overall system while enabling precise real-time localization.
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging is performed during surgery, then navigation accuracy is improved, but procedure time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous, passive magnetic field sensing that operates throughout the entire surgical procedure without interruption. Unlike intermittent imaging modalities that require stopping surgery to capture images, the magnetic sensing system provides uninterrupted navigation data, maintaining high navigation accuracy while minimizing procedure time and energy consumption.
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 system enhances surgical precision and consistency by providing real-time feedback and reducing the need for external fixtures, allowing for more accurate and less invasive procedures, particularly in orthopedic surgeries, while also enabling imageless applications.
Implementation Method 1
They usually include a stationary stereo camera pair that is focused around the area of interest and sensitive to infrared radiation. Markers emit infrared radiation, either actively or passively.
Implementation Method 2
An example of an active marker is a light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Implementation Method 3
An example of a passive marker is a reflective marker, such as ball-shaped marker with a surface that reflects incident infrared radiation.
Implementation Method 4
A magnetic system may have a stationary field generator that emits a magnetic field that is sensed by small coils integrated into the tracked tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing computer assistance for performing a medical procedure provides a graphical user interface to guide and/or assist a user, for example a surgeon, performing the medical procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical. The computer-assisted system comprises a software application that may be used for a medical procedure.