Noninvasive Stereotactic Assembly Coordinate System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current noninvasive stereotactic assemblies for guiding instruments within a patient's head lack precision and accuracy in navigating instruments to specific targets within the head, particularly due to limitations in coordinate systems and mechanical adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A novel noninvasive stereotactic assembly comprising a head frame subassembly with adjustable pin members, nasion positioning members, and an instrument positioning subassembly with ring members, bridging rail, swivel member, and instrument holder, which defines a three-dimensional coordinate system to precisely align instruments along a Z-axis and compensate for offset angles, ensuring accurate targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional stereotactic head frame is used, then the instrument can be guided to a target, but the precision and accuracy of instrument positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stereotactic assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: head frame subassembly for patient positioning, instrument positioning subassembly for instrument guidance, and coordinate system definition components. Each module independently contributes to overall positioning precision without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a three-dimensional coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes defined by specific anatomical landmarks (nasion, temporal bones). This 3D coordinate framework enables precise spatial localization of targets and instruments, transforming 2D imaging data into accurate 3D navigation.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable pin members and positioning members are added to improve targeting accuracy, then instrument guidance precision improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable pin members are positioned at specific locations (temporal bones) rather than distributed throughout the entire device. The nasion positioning member is located at the midline anterior position. These localized adjustment points provide sufficient degrees of freedom for accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The head frame subassembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the coordinate system origin, enables instrument positioning, and accommodates adjustments for different patient anatomies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional coordinate system is established with multiple reference points, then instrument guidance accuracy improves, but the setup and alignment process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The head frame is pre-configured with guiding slots and reference markers that align with standard anatomical landmarks. The coordinate system definition is built into the device structure itself, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual coordinate calculations during patient setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-invasive positioning methods that do not require permanent implants or complex surgical preparation. The head frame can be quickly applied and removed, and the coordinate system can be re-established for different patients without carrying over complex calibration data.
Data Source
AI summary
A noninvasive stereotactic assembly for guiding an instrument to a target within a patient's head includes a head frame subassembly and an instrument positioning subassembly. The head frame subassembly is secured to a skull in the patient's head to determine an X-axis and a Y-axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. According to the coordinate of the target in the three-dimensional coordinate system, ring members, a movable bracket, a swivel member, and an instrument holder of the instrument positioning subassembly are displaced by predetermined angles to guide the instrument toward the target.