Spinal Tap Marker With Flexible Extension for Robotic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal stabilization procedures face challenges in tracking anatomical features during surgeries, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries where equipment can be obscured by soft tissue, and in robotic procedures where bone movement can lead to inaccuracies in screw placement.
Innovation Solution
A spinal marking system comprising a tap marker assembly with a flexible member and a navigation assembly that includes a navigation tool with a cannulated shaft and a navigation array of fiducials, allowing for registration with a robotic system and reducing the number of instruments needed by serving as an adapter for both marking and screw insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temporary bone screw is used to track anatomical features, then the landmark is visible and trackable, but the equipment is obscured by soft tissue in minimally invasive surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is extracted from the bone screw and extended outward to the skin surface, separating the tracking function from the buried bone screw. This allows the tracking landmark to be visible and accessible while the bone screw remains in place for its structural function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member acts as an intermediary element connecting the buried bone screw to the external tracking system. It transfers the positional information from the bone screw to a visible external marker that can be tracked by imaging systems.
2Ease of operation
If a k-wire is used to extend from the incision for visibility, then the equipment is readily visible to the operator, but the operating space is limited due to the need to work around the device
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is made of a flexible material that allows it to be easily moved or repositioned by the operator during the procedure. This flexibility eliminates the operating space limitation while maintaining visibility and tracking capability.
3Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for marking and screw insertion, then each function can be performed with specialized tools, but the total number of instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bone screw is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device: it provides structural fixation, serves as a tracking landmark through the flexible member extension, and can be inserted using the existing insertion device. This eliminates the need for separate marking instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member is integrated directly onto the bone screw, combining the fixation device and tracking marker into a single unified instrument. This reduces the total number of instruments needed while maintaining all necessary functions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F
AI summary
A spinal marking system includes a marker having a threaded member and a flexible member connected to the threaded member. The flexible member has a length longer than that of the threaded member. The system also includes a navigation tool having a shaft configured to connect to the threaded member. The navigation tool also includes a navigation array connected to the shaft. The navigation array having a plurality of fiducials that are configured to communicate with a robotic system.