Shiftable X-Ray Surgical Viewing for 3D Drill Bit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical viewing systems fail to provide a three-dimensional or quasi-three-dimensional view during intramedullary nail installation or drilling, leading to incorrect hole drilling and potential post-operative complications.
Innovation Solution
A surgical viewing system with a shiftable X-ray source coupled to a surgical tool, allowing the X-ray source to be moved relative to the axis of rotation using an actuator, providing improved visual perception of the drill bit placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional X-ray imaging system is used during surgery, then the surgeon can obtain a two-dimensional image, but the surgeon cannot perceive the three-dimensional placement of the drill bit relative to the X-ray source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by shifting the X-ray source from a fixed position to a movable position that can be adjusted along the drill axis. This allows the surgeon to view the drill bit placement from multiple angular perspectives (anterior, lateral, oblique views) rather than being limited to a single two-dimensional projection, thereby recovering three-dimensional spatial perception information.
2Loss of information
If the X-ray source is made movable to improve spatial perception, then the surgeon can obtain multi-angle views, but the system becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the X-ray source movement mechanism with the existing surgical drill system. The actuator that moves the X-ray source is integrated into the drill's actuator system, allowing the surgeon to control both drill operation and X-ray source positioning through the same interface, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling multi-angle imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the drilling operation and the X-ray source positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controls, reducing operational complexity while providing enhanced spatial perception capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the X-ray source is shifted relative to the drill axis, then the surgeon can perceive drill bit placement in three dimensions, but the alignment between the X-ray beam and drill axis may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the X-ray source can be shifted along the drill axis while maintaining proper alignment. The actuator enables controlled movement of the X-ray source to different positions (centered, anterior, lateral, oblique) relative to the drill bit, allowing the surgeon to select the optimal viewing angle while preserving the functional relationship between the X-ray beam and drill axis.
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 surgeon's ability to accurately place the drill bit by offering improved imaging control and radiation source shifting with one hand, reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray source creates a beam of radiation used in an image creating process
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical viewing system including an X-ray source, a surgical tool and an actuator. The X-ray source creates a beam of radiation used in an image creating process. The surgical tool has the X-ray source coupled thereto, and the surgical tool has an axis of rotation. The actuator is coupled to the surgical tool causing the beam of radiation to be shifted relative to the axis of rotation.