Single-Marker Navigation for Medical Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning medical implants, such as femoral plates, are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple positioning guides for different types of implants, and involve health risks associated with large incisions or invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A marker device and positioning guide system using image analysis-based video tracking, where a two-dimensional or three-dimensional marker device provides detectable information for navigating the correct positioning of tools relative to medical implants, allowing flexible use with various implant types through a predetermined spatial relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a positioning guide with fixed markings is used for a specific implant type, then positioning precision is improved, but device versatility deteriorates (requiring multiple guides for different implants)
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning guide is designed with a camera-based detection system that can recognize and adapt to multiple different implant types through image analysis. The guide includes a support structure that can accommodate various implants, and the camera system captures images of the implant to determine its type and automatically adjusts the positioning markings accordingly, allowing a single guide to serve multiple functions for different implant types while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning guide uses a camera to capture images of the implant and processes these images to determine implant-specific parameters such as type, size, and orientation. Based on the recognized parameters, the system dynamically adjusts the positioning markings and guidance information displayed to the user, enabling the same physical guide to adapt its functional parameters for different implant types while maintaining accurate positioning
2Measurement precision
If a large incision is made to make the implant visible, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient health risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of making the implant physically visible through large incisions with an optical imaging system. A camera mounted on the positioning guide captures images of the implant through minimal incisions, and image processing algorithms analyze these images to determine implant type, orientation, and positioning information, thereby achieving accurate positioning while minimizing surgical trauma and health risks
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and image processing system serve as an intermediary between the implant and the positioning guide. Instead of direct visual contact requiring large incisions, the camera captures optical information from the implant through small incisions, and the processed image data provides the necessary positioning information, acting as a mediator that enables accurate positioning with minimal patient harm
3Measurement precision
If multiple positioning guides are kept in store for different implant types, then positioning precision for each implant type is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning guide incorporates a camera system and image processing capability that enables a single guide to identify and adapt to multiple different implant types. The system captures images of the implant, processes them to determine implant characteristics, and automatically adjusts the positioning markings and guidance information accordingly, replacing the need for multiple specialized guides with one universal guide that maintains positioning precision across different implant types
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning guide transitions from a static design with fixed markings for specific implant types to a dynamic system that can adapt its markings and guidance information in real-time. The camera captures implant images, the system processes these images to determine implant type and parameters, and then dynamically adjusts the displayed positioning information and markings to match the specific implant being positioned, enabling one guide to replace multiple static guides
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
This system reduces health risks by minimizing incision size and allows for the use of a single positioning guide with multiple implant types, enhancing precision and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple guides.
Implementation Method 1
A marker device and positioning guide system using image analysis-based video tracking, where a two-dimensional or three-dimensional marker device provides detectable information for navigating the correct positioning of tools relative to medical implants
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical data processing method for determining the spatial relationship of a first medical device relative to a second medical device, the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: d) acquiring first medical device position data comprising first medical device position information describing the position of the first medical device, wherein the first medical device position data is acquired based on reading, from a marker device having for example a fixed spatial relationship relative to the first medical device, the first medical device position information or information which allows access to the first medical device position information; e) acquiring second medical device position data comprising second medical position information describing the position of the second medical device; f) determining, based on the first medical device position data and the second medical device position data, relative position data comprising relative position information describing the spatial relationship of the second medical device relative to the first medical device.