Spinal Correction Rod Control Tool for Surgical Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face challenges in accurately checking the shape and size of spinal correction rods during surgery for scoliosis correction, relying on paper-based numerical values which lack visual clarity and precision, leading to potential errors in rod implementation.
Innovation Solution
A surgery control tool with an elongated body resembling a spinal correction rod, featuring spacers that adjust to match the rod's shape and size, allowing for precise visualization and correction of differences between the implanted rod and the intended shape, reducing the need for extensive navigation systems and radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons use paper-based numerical values to check spinal correction rod shape and size, then they have a reference for the intended dimensions, but the visual clarity and precision are insufficient leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy (control tool) that replicates the exact shape and size of the planned spinal correction rod. This control tool is manufactured based on the numerical values from planning software and serves as a tangible reference for surgeons to visually compare against the actual implanted rod, thereby improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional paper representations of numerical values to a three-dimensional physical control tool that matches the actual rod's geometry. This dimensional transformation allows surgeons to visually and physically verify the rod's shape and size in the same spatial context as the implant, significantly enhancing visual clarity and checking precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If surgeons perform successive in situ corrections to the rod shape during surgery, then they can adjust the rod to match the planned shape, but the process requires multiple X-ray radiographs increasing radiation exposure and surgery time
Solution Approach 1:
The control tool is prepared in advance based on the planning software's numerical values, allowing surgeons to perform all necessary corrections and adjustments before the actual implantation. This preliminary preparation ensures the rod matches the planned shape precisely, reducing or eliminating the need for multiple in situ corrections and X-ray radiographs during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The control tool serves as an immediate visual feedback mechanism during surgery. Surgeons can directly compare the control tool with the actual rod to verify shape and size accuracy, providing real-time feedback without requiring multiple X-ray radiographs. This reduces radiation exposure and surgical time while maintaining high precision.
3Loss of information
If surgeons rely on numerical values on paper to visualize the desired rod shape, then they have the planned dimensions, but the visualization is not intuitive enough for accurate mental comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The control tool creates a physical copy of the planned rod geometry, transforming abstract numerical data into a tangible object that surgeons can hold and visually inspect. This eliminates the need for mental visualization and direct comparison with paper-based numerical values, reducing information loss and improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgery control tool: being no patient implant, including: an elongated body having the shape and the size of a spinal correction rod, end contact parts being able to contact a patient implanted spinal correction rod implant, spacers extending from the elongated body towards the end contact parts.