Surgical Instrument Integrated Navigation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical navigation systems for procedures like jaw surgery are complex and limited by the need for external locating means and marker structures, which restrict the working area, require cumbersome calibration, and are not easily adaptable for precise instrument control.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an image recording device directly on the instrument head to capture stereoscopic images of its surroundings, allowing the instrument to self-localize and compare with planning data for precise guidance without external aids, with real-time feedback to the operator for ergonomic navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external locating means and marker structures are used for surgical navigation, then the position and orientation of the instrument can be determined, but the working area is severely limited and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locating means directly with the instrument head, merging previously separate components (external locating system and instrument) into an integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external locating means and marker structures, reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the integrated camera system that captures images from multiple perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the marker structures from the system by using natural anatomical landmarks and surface geometry for localization. Instead of requiring artificial markers that protrude from the treatment area, the system uses image processing of the body surface itself, removing the constraint that limited the working area.
2Measurement precision
If marker structures protrude from the treatment area for detection by external optical locating means, then the position can be determined, but the working area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the marker structures entirely from the system. Instead of using artificial markers that must protrude from the treatment area, the system localizes the instrument by processing images of the body surface and comparing them with pre-acquired three-dimensional data, allowing free movement within the treatment area without spatial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing and pattern recognition algorithms as intermediaries between the optical camera system and the localization function. These algorithms enable position determination by analyzing natural body surface features in captured images, eliminating the need for physical markers while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If complex calibration and setup are performed before intervention, then the system can be configured for precise navigation, but repeated calibration is necessary when conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic calibration approach where the three-dimensional body surface data is continuously updated during the intervention. The system can adapt to changing conditions (such as patient movement or anatomical changes) by acquiring new surface data and recalculating the coordinate systems, eliminating the need for time-consuming repeated full calibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of the complete body surface geometry and anatomical landmarks before the intervention begins. This pre-acquired data serves as a reference framework that remains valid throughout the procedure, allowing the system to maintain navigation accuracy without requiring repeated calibration steps when normal operating conditions are maintained.
4Measurement precision
If individually manufactured templates with limited drilling depth are used, then precise guidance can be achieved, but complex manufacturing work steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the instrument itself to perform the guidance function through its integrated locating means and image processing capabilities. The instrument head with embedded cameras autonomously captures images, determines its own position and orientation, and provides navigation feedback, eliminating the need for externally manufactured guidance templates altogether.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical guidance system (physical templates with drilled channels) with an optical and computational system. Instead of relying on pre-manufactured mechanical constraints, the system uses image processing, three-dimensional data, and computer algorithms to provide real-time navigation guidance, eliminating complex manufacturing requirements.
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 precise, flexible, and intuitive manual navigation of instruments like dental drills within the treatment area, reducing the need for external displays and calibration, while maintaining high temporal sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
In a particularly simple and therefore advantageous embodiment, such an image recording means generates images in the optical range
Implementation Method 2
Coordinates in three dimensions and thus stereoscopic images can be calculated from at least two individual images, which are recorded simultaneously from different perspectives or in quick succession after a movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for carrying out a treatment of a human or animal body by a surgeon, comprising a hand-held instrument (2) having an instrument head (3) that acts on an operating field of the body and supports a treatment tool (12). The system also comprises a computer (4) on which a navigation program is provided to assist the guidance of the instrument head (3), wherein body data representing the part of the body containing the operating field, planning data representing the planned treatment and instrument data representing the position and orientation of the instrument head (3) are available to the navigation program. A positioning means for recording the instrument data is present, wherein the navigation program compares the instrument data as actual data with the planning data as desired data, and a signalling means (10) is provided, which indicates to the surgeon a variation of the actual data from the desired data. The positioning means comprises an image-recording means that is located at the instrument head (3) and that records, during the handling of the instrument head and in particular in rapid sequence, single images of a body part that is represented in the body data and is in a defined relationship with the treatment site, wherein the orientation of the image-recording means is in a defined relationship with the instrument head, and the navigation program generates the instrument data by matching the single images with the body data.