Low-Profile Surgical Instrument Tracking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-guided surgery systems face challenges with cumbersome and inaccurate instrument tracking devices that obstruct the surgeon's view and are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, particularly in minimally invasive procedures like ENT surgery.
Innovation Solution
A removable electromagnetic instrument tracking device with a low-profile design featuring three orthogonally positioned tracking coils that generate positional information, minimizing interference and obstruction, and allowing precise 3D tracking of surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking device is provided on the instrument, then positional information is obtained, but the tracking device protrudes and interferes with the surgeon's sight line
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is nested within a hollow cylindrical body that fits over the instrument shaft. The coils are positioned inside the cylinder, with the distal end of the cylinder extending beyond the instrument tip while the proximal end retracts toward the instrument body, creating a low-profile design that minimizes sight line obstruction while maintaining tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking coils are arranged in three orthogonal orientations (x, y, z axes) within the cylindrical body. This three-dimensional coil arrangement enables accurate 3D positional tracking while keeping the overall device profile compact and minimizing protrusion in any single direction
2Measurement precision
If a tracking device is provided on the instrument, then positional information is obtained, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cylindrical body serves multiple functions: it houses the tracking coils, provides structural support, fits over the instrument shaft, and allows passage of the instrument through its hollow interior. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device and improving ease of manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument shaft passes through the hollow interior of the cylindrical body, creating a nested configuration. This allows the tracking device to be attached to the instrument while maintaining a compact, streamlined profile that is easy to manipulate during surgery
3Strength
If metal objects are present near the tracking coils, then the instrument structure is provided, but electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive cylindrical body serves as an intermediary between the metal instrument shaft and the tracking coils. This intermediate structure electrically isolates the coils from metal objects, preventing electromagnetic interference while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support the tracking device
4Length of moving object
If the tracking device is made low profile, then the surgeon's view is enhanced, but the coils must be positioned in a compact space
Solution Approach 1:
The three tracking coils are arranged in orthogonal orientations (x, y, z axes) within the cylindrical body, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This orthogonal arrangement enables accurate 3D tracking while maintaining a compact low-profile design, as the coils are distributed along different spatial dimensions rather than requiring extended linear space
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
The device provides accurate and interference-resistant 3D tracking of surgical instruments, enhancing the surgeon's view and procedural effectiveness by maintaining a low profile and reducing electromagnetic interference, thus improving surgical precision and minimizing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
A first tracking coil can be disposed in the body and can define a first tracking coil axis that is substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis of the body. The first tracking coil can generate an output signal indicative of a position of the working member.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument tracking device for cooperating with an instrument during a surgical procedure where the instrument has an elongated body extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a working member at a distal tip includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end. An opening can be formed through the body along a second longitudinal axis. The opening can define a passthrough in the body from the distal end to the proximal end. A first tracking coil can be disposed in the body and can define a first tracking coil axis that is substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis of the body. A connection mechanism cooperates between the elongated housing and the body that secures the body to the elongated housing of the instrument upon passing at least a portion of the elongated housing through the passthrough of the body in an assembled position.