Surgical Guide Tube Sensor for Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robotic systems are error-prone and tedious due to the lack of mechanical feedback and visual placement issues when performing procedures like vertebrae fusion, where accurate three-dimensional positioning of surgical instruments is crucial but hindered by complex bone structures and limited robotic assistance.
Innovation Solution
A guided surgical tool assembly with sensors, such as magnetic and optical sensors, integrated into a guide tube to detect and track the position of a surgical instrument, enabling precise movement and positioning within the surgical site, including a system with a processor and data interface for real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of surgical instrument is used, then surgeon's dexterity determines accuracy, but the process is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through sensors that detect the surgical instrument's position and provide continuous information to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment and eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error positioning, thus reducing surgical time while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to control instrument placement, substituting the surgeon's manual dexterity with an automated control mechanism that operates faster and more consistently
2Extent of automation
If conventional robotic systems are used, then automated positioning is provided, but mechanical feedback is lacking and visual placement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time mechanical feedback about the surgical instrument's position and status to the control system, enabling closed-loop control that maintains positioning reliability while operating in automated mode, preventing the loss of feedback present in conventional robotic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions including automated positioning, real-time sensing, visual tracking, and mechanical feedback into a single unified platform, allowing it to perform both automated operations and provide continuous monitoring, thereby maintaining reliability through multi-functional integration
3Measurement precision
If da Vinci system is used, then hand tremor is eliminated and micro-movements are achieved, but the system is expensive and setup is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of tremor elimination and micro-movement control from the complex da Vinci system and implements it through a simplified robotic mechanism with direct sensor feedback, removing unnecessary complexity while retaining the core precision capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and multi-axis manipulators with a simpler robotic system that achieves precision through direct sensor feedback and electronic control, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control simplicity
4Measurement precision
If sensor integration is added to guide tube, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor integration directly into the guide tube structure, combining the positioning function with the existing surgical guide infrastructure, thereby improving measurement precision without adding separate complex subsystems
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 surgical precision and accuracy by providing continuous feedback and control, reducing human error and improving the efficiency of procedures like vertebrae fusion by ensuring accurate and perpendicular drilling in complex bone structures.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a position sensor capable of detecting the magnetic flux field
Implementation Method 2
the optically detectable feature comprises a contrasting or high contrast marking distributed along at least a partial longitudinal length of the guided surgical tool assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a guided surgical tool assembly with a guide tube including a sensor, a surgical instrument including a detectable feature moveable within the guide tube, and the sensor capable of detecting the detectable feature when the surgical instrument is inserted in the guide tube. Some embodiments include a sensor pad, a guide stop coupled to the surgical instrument, a plunger mechanism including a compressible spring mechanism coupled to the guide tube, and a wiper capable of being sensed by the sensor pad. Some embodiments include a guided surgical tool assembly system comprising a tool sensor system including a processor and at least one data input/output interface. Some embodiments include a medical robot system with a guided surgical tool assembly and including a robot coupled to an effectuator element configured for controlled movement and positioning along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.