Surgical Instrument 3D Tracking via Electromagnetic Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in navigating surgical instruments, such as flexible endoscopes, to target anatomy that is not in immediate proximity to the entry orifice, due to limited visibility and difficulty in localizing specific tissue regions, especially as the distance increases.
Innovation Solution
A system using a stereoscopic camera and electromagnetic field generator to track the three-dimensional position and orientation of surgical instruments within the patient's body, superimposing graphical representations onto stereoscopic images for real-time visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible endoscope is used to remotely view and manipulate tissue, then the surgeon can access interior body regions through natural orifices, but the field of view is limited and anatomical data is displayed in two dimensions, making it difficult to navigate to target tissue and localize specific regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D endoscopic images into 3D visualizations by integrating electromagnetic tracking data with stereoscopic imaging. The system generates three-dimensional representations of anatomical structures and superimposes instrument position data onto these 3D models, restoring depth perception and spatial relationships that are lost in traditional 2D endoscopy. This dimensional enhancement allows surgeons to navigate more effectively and localize target tissue with greater precision.
2Length of stationary object
If the distance between the target tissue and the entry orifice increases, then the surgeon can access deeper interior regions, but the difficulty of navigating to the target tissue increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation of the endoscope through electromagnetic sensors and displaying this information overlaid on stereoscopic anatomical models. As the endoscope moves deeper into the body, the system provides constant visual feedback showing the instrument's location relative to the target tissue and surrounding structures, enabling the surgeon to navigate complex pathways with greater confidence and reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic tracking field as an intermediary between the surgeon and the deep target tissue. This invisible field penetrates body tissues and provides continuous positional data about the endoscope's location, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between the surgeon's control actions and the actual position of the instrument at distant target sites.
3Measurement precision
If traditional two-dimensional endoscopic imaging is used, then the system is simpler, but the surgeon cannot accurately visualize instrument position and orientation in three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic tracking system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks the position of the endoscope, determines its orientation, provides real-time feedback for navigation, and enables three-dimensional visualization. This multi-functional approach achieves high measurement precision for instrument localization while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity through consolidation.
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 surgeon's ability to accurately navigate and locate target tissues by providing real-time, three-dimensional visualization of instrument position and orientation, reducing the complexity of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless signal transmitted by an electromagnetic field generator is received by a sensor on the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
A stereoscopic camera system which generates a stereoscopic image of the patient body
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation of a surgical instrument as the instrument is being utilized within the interior of a patient body. A stereoscopic camera system generates a stereoscopic image of the patient body which is subsequently rendered on a display device. A wireless signal transmitted by an electromagnetic field generator is received by a sensor on the surgical instrument. Utilizing this sensor data, a processor calculates the position and orientation of the surgical instrument and then superimposes upon the rendered stereoscopic image of the patient body a graphical representation indicative of the position and orientation of the surgical instrument.