Surgical Tool Guide Tube Sensor Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robotic systems are error-prone and tedious due to lack of mechanical feedback and visual placement issues when instruments are submerged within the patient, especially in procedures like thoracolumbar pedicle screw insertion.
Innovation Solution
A guided surgical tool assembly featuring a guide tube with integrated sensors and a surgical instrument with detectable features, allowing for precise localization and movement tracking within the guide tube using magnetic or optical sensing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of surgical instruments is used, then surgeon dexterity is required, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated robotic system that uses sensors (optical, magnetic, or electromagnetic) to detect and track the position of surgical instruments. The robotic system autonomously adjusts instrument placement based on real-time feedback from sensors, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the surgeon and significantly reducing the time required for precise instrument placement.
2Extent of automation
If conventional robotic systems are used, then automation is provided, but mechanical feedback and visual placement are lost when instruments are submerged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary sensors (optical markers, magnetic sensors, or electromagnetic sensors) that remain visible and detectable even when surgical instruments are submerged within the patient's body. These sensors act as mediators between the submerged instrument and the robotic control system, providing continuous real-time feedback on instrument position and orientation, thereby maintaining reliability and automation throughout the surgical procedure.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple holes are drilled manually into complex bone structures, then surgeon skill is required, but accuracy and mechanical integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously monitor the position, orientation, and depth of drilling instruments relative to the complex bone structure. The robotic control system processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts instrument placement to maintain precise alignment with pre-planned drilling paths, ensuring high accuracy and mechanical integrity even when drilling multiple holes into complex, non-planar bone surfaces.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures by providing real-time feedback on the position and movement of surgical instruments, reducing human error and improving mechanical integrity in complex bone structures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor is a position sensor capable of detecting the magnetic flux field
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor comprises at least one optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Medical robot systems, surgical tool assemblies, devices, and methods regarding the same. The medical robot system may include a robot coupled to an end-effector having a guide tube. The robot may be configured for controlled movement and positioning of the end-effector. The system further includes a motor assembly coupled to the robot. The motor assembly may be configured to move the end-effector along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The surgical instrument is positionable and/or slidable within the guide tube. The surgical instrument includes at least one detectable feature, such as a reflective lens or stripe. A detection device is configured and arranged to detect the at least one detectable feature. The system enables a depth of the surgical instrument in the guide tube to be determined by the at least one detectable feature on the instrument.