Sterile Optical Sensor for Navigated Hip Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical procedures like Total Hip Arthroplasty, achieving precise positioning of prosthetic implants relative to the patient's anatomy is challenging due to complexities in selecting correct implant geometry and altering bony anatomy, particularly in accurately assessing leg length and offset changes.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system with a processing unit that uses a registration range-of-motion procedure to calculate and display leg length and offset measurements in real-time, providing intra-operative guidance and detecting hip joint subluxation, while maintaining sterility through a sterile drape and quick connection mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual assessment methods are used for leg length and offset, then the surgical procedure can be performed without complex equipment, but the measurement precision and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical sensor-based navigation system. The optical sensor detects targets on anatomical landmarks and calculates spatial relationships through computational algorithms, providing precise digital measurements of leg length and offset without manual calipers or rulers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical targets as intermediaries placed on anatomical landmarks. These targets serve as mediators between the physical anatomy and the optical sensor system, enabling non-contact measurement while maintaining measurement accuracy. The targets translate complex anatomical geometry into detectable optical signals.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time navigation guidance is implemented, then the surgical precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into modular components: optical sensors attached to anatomical landmarks, separate navigation instruments with targets, and a processing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by distributing functionality across separate modules rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary registration of anatomical landmarks and establishment of coordinate systems before the actual implant placement. This preliminary action sets up the navigation framework in advance, allowing real-time guidance during surgery without requiring complex real-time calculations and reducing the computational burden during the critical surgical phase.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and targets are used for comprehensive tracking, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs optical targets that serve multiple functions: they act as tracking markers for position determination, provide reference points for orientation, and enable calculation of spatial relationships between anatomical landmarks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated optical sensor system. Rather than using separate sensors for position, orientation, and distance measurement, the system merges these functions by using the same optical sensor to detect multiple targets and compute comprehensive spatial information through computational algorithms.
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 precise and accurate intra-operative leg length and offset measurements, reducing the complexity of existing navigation systems and improving surgical outcomes by providing real-time guidance and detecting potential subluxation, thus enhancing the precision and stability of hip joint positioning.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensor for coupling to the pelvis and alignment with the surgical site; a target for coupling to the femur in alignment with the sensor, the sensor providing signals in response to the target
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and a kit for a navigated procedure, such as a navigated surgical procedure relate to an optical sensor system such as a sterile optical sensor system. The methods relate to using components of the optical sensor system and a processing unit, for example, performing a navigated procedure using an optical sensor as draped and using the processing unit coupled to the optical sensor. Performing the navigated procedure comprises receiving instructions for the navigated procedure from the processing unit, and using the optical sensor comprises interacting with a button on the optical sensor through the drape to provide input to the processing unit. A kit comprises optical sensor system components and instructions for performing a method.