Surgical Instrument Segmentation for Robotic Spinal Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, face challenges in accurately positioning and stabilizing spinal constructs due to the use of incorrectly sized instruments, which can affect accuracy and stability during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising a screw driver with a flexible collet and actuator mechanism that allows for precise engagement and disengagement of bone fasteners, utilizing robotic guidance and navigation components to ensure accurate positioning and alignment of spinal implants, while maintaining a consistent outer diameter to fit through end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical instrument is designed with a navigation component engagement surface, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the instrument cannot be delivered through a robotic end effector due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into two separate components: a driver member that engages with the bone fastener, and a separate navigation component that attaches to the driver member. This segmentation allows the driver member to maintain a compact size for robotic delivery while the navigation component provides the necessary engagement surfaces for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation component is designed to attach to the driver member in a nested configuration, where the navigation component encompasses the driver member. This nesting allows the navigation component's engagement surfaces to be positioned at an optimal distance from the distal end without increasing the overall instrument size, enabling both robotic delivery and navigation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the navigation component is attached directly to the driver member distal end, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the bone fastener cannot be properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation component is attached to the driver member before the bone fastener engagement process. This preliminary attachment establishes the correct positioning and orientation of the driver member relative to the bone fastener, ensuring that when engagement occurs, the alignment is already optimized for accurate placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver member acts as an intermediary between the navigation component and the bone fastener. The navigation component provides positioning information through its engagement surfaces, while the driver member translates this information into precise bone fastener engagement, mediating between navigation accuracy requirements and engagement mechanics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the instrument uses a rigid structure for stability, then structural stability is improved, but the instrument cannot flex to engage with bone fasteners at varying depths
Solution Approach 1:
The driver member incorporates a flexible portion that allows dynamic adjustment during the engagement process. This flexible section enables the driver member to bend and adapt to varying bone fastener depths while the overall instrument structure maintains rigidity for stability. The flexibility is controlled and localized, allowing the instrument to conform to anatomical variations without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a surgical instrument is provided. The method comprises connecting a part with a first member, the first member extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including at least one mating surface disposed a selected distance from the distal end for engagement with a navigation component, the part having an opening and the distal end being inserted through the opening and translated to a selected position with the first member. Systems, spinal constructs and implants are disclosed.