Surgical Instrument Gesture Control for Navigation Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical navigation systems hinder access to information during procedures as they require surgeons to put down instruments and use additional devices or communicate with assistants, disrupting the workflow.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a processor to receive and identify surgical instruments within a tracking system's field of view, generating output data to control connected output devices, allowing for instrument-specific and gesture-based control of navigation system components, such as displays and illumination, without the need to use additional input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional surgical navigation systems are used, then navigation information is available, but the surgeon must deposit surgical instruments and manipulate additional devices, disrupting workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is equipped with both cutting functionality and input device functionality through integrated sensors and processors. The instrument can detect gestures, track position, and control navigation system output devices without requiring separate input devices, allowing the surgeon to maintain workflow continuity while accessing navigation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the navigation input interface with the surgical instrument itself. Sensors, processors, and communication modules are integrated into the instrument handle or shaft, merging the functions of surgical manipulation and navigation control into a single unified device that the surgeon already holds during the procedure.
2Loss of information
If conventional surgical navigation systems are used, then navigation information is available, but the surgeon must communicate desired interactions to an assistant, adding complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates onboard sensors, processors, and communication modules that enable it to autonomously detect gestures, determine their meaning, and communicate with the navigation system without requiring an assistant. The instrument self-manages the complexity of system interactions through integrated intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual communication methods (verbal instructions or physical gestures to an assistant) with electronic sensing and digital communication. Sensors detect the surgeon's gestures and automatically translate them into navigation system commands, substituting mechanical human-to-human communication with an automated electronic system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional input devices are required for navigation control, then navigation functions are accessible, but the surgeon must switch tasks, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs surgical cutting or manipulation while also acting as an input device for navigation control. The integrated sensors and processors enable the instrument to detect gestures and control navigation output devices, eliminating the need for task switching and maintaining surgical efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for controlling a surgical navigation system are provided. The method 1 comprises receiving image data at a processor from a tracking system; receiving, at a processor, an identifier of a surgical instrument within a field of view of the tracking system; generating, at the processor, output data based on the identifier of the surgical instrument; and transmitting the output data to at least one output device connected to the processor, for controlling the output device.