Sensor-Guided Surgical Instrument for 3D Electromagnetic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sinusitis diagnosis and treatment methods, such as FESS and balloon sinuplasty, lack precise guidance for instrument positioning due to limited 2-dimensional endoscopic views, especially when anatomical landmarks are difficult to visualize.
Innovation Solution
An image-guided surgery navigation system using electromagnetic sensors and processors to track the precise location of a sensor-guided instrument within the patient's anatomy, providing real-time 3-dimensional visualization of instrument position relative to anatomical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopic visualization is used, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the precision of instrument positioning deteriorates due to limited 2-dimensional views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/endoscopic visualization with an electromagnetic field-based navigation system. Electromagnetic sensors mounted on surgical instruments detect positions within the sinus cavity by interacting with electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight endoscopic visualization and providing precise 3D positioning data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the surgical instruments and the navigation system. The electromagnetic sensors on instruments interact with electromagnetic fields to transmit position information to the navigation system, serving as a mediator that enables precise tracking without direct visual contact.
2Reliability
If endoscopic visualization is used, then the equipment remains simple, but the ability to visualize anatomical landmarks deteriorates when landmarks are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on visual anatomical landmarks with electromagnetic field-based position detection. The electromagnetic sensors continuously track instrument positions relative to pre-mapped anatomical structures, providing reliable navigation even when visual landmarks are obscured or difficult to identify endoscopically.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system provides continuous feedback on instrument position relative to anatomical structures. The system processes electromagnetic sensor data and provides real-time position information, allowing surgeons to verify correct positioning and make adjustments based on objective feedback rather than subjective visual assessment.
3Measurement precision
If 2-dimensional endoscopic views are used, then the visualization system remains simple, but the spatial understanding of the operative field deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-dimensional endoscopic visualization to 3-dimensional electromagnetic field-based positioning. The electromagnetic sensors measure positions in three spatial dimensions (x, y, z coordinates), providing comprehensive spatial understanding of instrument location and orientation within the sinus cavity, unlike flat 2D endoscopic images.
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 biopsy sampling and therapeutic delivery by ensuring accurate instrument positioning, even when anatomical landmarks are obscured, enhancing the effectiveness of sinusitis treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
special instruments having sensors (e.g., electromagnetic coils that emit electromagnetic fields and/or are responsive to externally generated electromagnetic fields) mounted thereon are used to perform the procedure while the sensors send data to the computer indicating the current position of each surgical instrument
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a catheter, a distal segment, a needle, and a tracking sensor. The catheter is configured to be inserted into an anatomical passageway of a patient and includes a catheter lumen. The distal segment includes a port that communicates with the catheter lumen. The needle is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen and is translatable relative to the catheter between a retracted position and an extended position. A needle distal end is configured to extend through the port when the needle is in the extended position. The tracking sensor is coupled to the needle and is configured to generate a signal corresponding to a location of the needle distal end within the patient.