Surgical Depth Indicator With Rotating Magnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation devices require calibration for each tool use, are prone to human error, and often lose connection if the tool is rotated or obstructed, limiting compatibility with different tools and navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A generic intra-operative depth indicator device with a pair of end caps separated by a compressed spring, where the surgical tool is fixed to one cap and free to slide through the other, with a tracking marker on the first cap that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing continuous depth tracking regardless of obstructions and eliminating the need for pre-calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positional marker is attached to the tool and viewed by a navigation system, then the tool position can be tracked, but the connection is lost when the tool is rotated or obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D camera-based optical tracking to 3D magnetic field-based tracking. The magnetic sensor array detects the tool's position and orientation in three-dimensional space regardless of rotation or obstruction, eliminating the line-of-sight limitation of optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical tracking system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using cameras to visually track markers, the system uses magnetic sensors to detect the tool's position through magnetic field interactions, which are not blocked by physical obstructions.
2Measurement precision
If each tool is individually calibrated before use, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by detecting the tool's position at multiple known locations and computing calibration parameters without human intervention. The surgical tool itself participates in the calibration process by being positioned at reference points, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions automatically before surgical use. The calibration data is stored and reused for subsequent measurements, eliminating the need to repeat calibration for each tool or procedure while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If a navigation system uses designated compatible tools only, then system reliability is improved, but compatibility with different tools and manufacturers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor array can detect and track multiple different types of surgical tools simultaneously using the same magnetic field detection mechanism. The system is not limited to proprietary tools but can work with any tool that contains or interacts with magnetic fields, providing universal compatibility across different manufacturers and tool types.
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 depth tracking of surgical tools without calibration, maintaining functionality in any position and compatibility with various navigation systems and tools, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed spring extending between the first and second cap elements
Data Source
AI summary
A depth-indicating device for determining the depth of insertion of a surgical tool comprising a pair of spaced apart end caps, separated by a compressed spring, with the surgical tool passing through axial openings in both end caps, and firmly attached to one of the end caps, but free to slide through the opening in the other. A guide tube is attached to the second endcap, such that the surgical tool can be guided to its operating position on a body part. The second end cap and guide tube are attached to a location having a known position relative to the body part. A tracking marker is attached to the first end cap such that its longitudinal position can be tracked using a remote racking camera. Since the surgical tool is attached to the first end cap, the tool position is also tracked by the tracking system.