Sterile Cover Assembly for Accurate Surgical Navigation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint replacement procedures lack accurate and cost-effective methods for positioning prosthetic joint components without the complexity and expense of bulky computer navigation systems, and simple alignment methods are not sufficiently precise.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sterile cover with a housing and lid, a surgical navigation device with inertial sensors, and a transfer funnel that ensures accurate orientation and sterility, along with a battery pack for single-use authentication and power, facilitating precise prosthetic component placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex computer navigation systems are used to track spatial location and movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential navigation functionality from complex computer navigation systems by using a simplified inertial measurement unit (IMU) that only tracks spatial location and movement without requiring computers, three-dimensional imaging, or extensive training infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable sterile cover that encapsulates the navigation device, allowing the expensive navigation technology to be used once and then discarded with the cover, reducing the need for costly sterilization and reuse of the navigation device itself
2Device complexity
If simple alignment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with an electronic inertial measurement system that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to automatically track spatial location and movement, eliminating the need for manual alignment techniques while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile cover acts as an intermediary between the navigation device and the surgical field, providing a simple barrier that maintains sterility without adding complexity to the alignment process
3Device complexity
If reusable navigation devices are used, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into two parts: a reusable navigation device and a disposable sterile cover. The cover is segmented to fit over the device, creating a barrier that maintains sterility while allowing the expensive navigation device to be reused across multiple patients
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile cover is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, eliminating contamination risks associated with reusing navigation devices while keeping the cost burden on the reusable device manageable
4Reliability
If sterile cover is designed to fit tightly around navigation device, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile cover is pre-formed with a cavity that matches the navigation device geometry before use. This preliminary shaping allows the cover to be easily slipped over the device during surgery while maintaining a tight sterile barrier, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective positioning of prosthetic joint components by ensuring sterility and precise alignment, reducing the need for complex navigation systems and minimizing procedural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a surgical navigation device comprising at least one inertial sensor
Implementation Method 2
the housing comprises one or more magnets for coupling to a bracket of a jig
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system for a surgical procedure is provided. The system can include a sterile cover comprising a housing and a lid. The system can include a surgical navigation device comprising at least one inertial sensor and a display. In some embodiments, the surgical navigation device is configured to be inserted into the housing of the sterile cover. In some embodiments, the lid is configured to close to provide a sterile barrier separating the surgical navigation device from the sterile field. In some embodiments, positional and rotation fixation is applied to the surgical navigation device for accuracy of the at least one inertial sensor. In some embodiments, a method for a surgical procedure is provided.