Spinal Navigation Image Alignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In spinal surgery, existing navigation systems face challenges in accurately aligning pre-operative images with the patient's anatomy during surgery, especially when anatomy is distorted or manipulated, leading to inaccuracies in positioning surgical instruments like pedicle screws.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display device, storage for patient anatomy images, an analyzer to compare marker positions with surgical navigation markers, and an input device for positional data from a probe, allowing real-time correction of image alignment to match the actual anatomy, using fiduciary screws for three-dimensional registration and fine adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If pre-operative images are used for navigation, then surgical guidance is provided, but image misalignment with actual anatomy occurs during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
Fiduciary markers are attached to the patient's anatomy before surgery and are visible in pre-operative images. This preliminary placement creates reference points that can be used throughout surgery to maintain accurate alignment between pre-operative images and actual anatomy, even when the anatomy moves or deforms during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously tracks the position of fiduciary markers during surgery using imaging technology. This real-time feedback allows the navigation system to detect and correct any misalignment between pre-operative images and actual anatomy, maintaining accurate guidance throughout the surgical procedure.
2Productivity
If surgery proceeds without continuous image updates, then operative time is reduced, but navigation accuracy deteriorates due to anatomy manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system maintains continuous tracking of fiduciary markers throughout surgery without requiring repeated full imaging scans. This continuous monitoring of reference points allows the system to maintain accurate alignment and provide ongoing navigation guidance while minimizing interruptions to the surgical flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Comprehensive pre-operative imaging is performed before surgery to capture the anatomy in its initial state. Combined with pre-placed fiduciary markers, this preliminary action provides a reference framework that can be continuously referenced throughout surgery without needing repeated imaging updates.
3Reliability
If repeated imaging is performed during surgery, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates fiduciary markers as separate, trackable reference points from the full anatomical imaging. By focusing only on tracking these specific markers rather than repeatedly imaging the entire anatomy, the system maintains navigation reliability while significantly reducing the time required for imaging updates during surgery.
4Device complexity
If experienced surgeons perform surgery without navigation aids, then device complexity is reduced, but surgical safety and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Fiduciary markers serve as intermediary reference points between the navigation system and the patient's anatomy. These simple, trackable markers provide a reliable interface that allows the navigation system to accurately track anatomical positions without requiring complex imaging or processing, thereby improving surgical safety while keeping the system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for aiding surgery on a patient is described including a display device and a storage device that stores an image of at least a portion of the anatomy of the patient, including one or more surgical navigation markers positioned on the patient, for display on the display device. An analyser is adapted to receive positional data of a probe based on positioning of the probe relative to the one or more markers on the patient. Based on the positional data, the analyser outputs correctional data to adjust an alignment of the image on the display device to match locations of said one or more markers.