Surgical Instrument Tracking System for Guided Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interventional procedures face challenges in accurately and efficiently targeting biopsy or therapy instruments within the body, especially when transitioning from volumetric imaging to minimally invasive procedures, due to limitations in real-time imaging modalities like X-ray and ultrasound, which can lead to inaccurate instrument placement and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a computer device, tracking device, imaging device, template assembly, and dynamic reference device to assist in guided interventional procedures, utilizing templates with integrated position indicating elements for precise registration and tracking of surgical instruments relative to soft tissue anatomy, and compensating for tissue motion during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If real-time imaging modalities like X-ray and ultrasound are used during minimally invasive procedures, then the procedures can be performed with small entry points, but the imaging quality and accuracy of instrument placement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into multiple components: pre-procedural volumetric imaging (CT/MRI), intra-procedural tracking devices with position indicators, and image guidance systems. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while collectively achieving both minimally invasive access and high placement accuracy through coordinated operation of pre-planned trajectories and real-time position monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If pre-procedural volumetric imaging (CT/MRI) is used to plan the procedure, then accurate target localization is achieved, but the images cannot be used in real-time during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing high-quality volumetric imaging (CT/MRI) before the procedure to accurately identify targets and plan instrument trajectories. These pre-planned trajectories are then displayed on the image guidance system during the procedure, eliminating the need for real-time volumetric imaging while maintaining the accuracy benefits of pre-procedural planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that bridges pre-procedural planning and real-time procedure execution. The image guidance system acts as an intermediary, displaying pre-planned trajectories from volumetric images while simultaneously tracking real-time instrument position using tracking devices, thus connecting the temporal gap between pre-procedure planning and intra-procedure execution.
3Ease of operation
If X-ray imaging is used for real-time guidance, then the imaging can be performed during the procedure, but radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a visual representation of the pre-procedural volumetric images and tracking data on the image guidance system display. Instead of using X-rays to see instruments and targets in real-time, the system displays a composite view that combines pre-planned trajectories from CT/MRI with real-time position information from tracking devices, eliminating the need for continuous X-ray exposure.
4Measurement precision
If tracking devices with position indicating elements are used, then real-time instrument position is known, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position indication function from complex robotic surgical systems and implements it through simpler, dedicated tracking devices with position indicating elements. These tracking devices can be attached to instruments or the patient, and their position is determined by external sensors or imaging systems, separating the tracking function from the surgical instrument itself and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assisting or performing guided interventional procedures using specialized catheters and inserts. A bend altering device is introduced into a conduit in an organ causing it to take on a tortuous path and to assist in its visualization. A scan is performed of a patient's anatomy to identify targets critical structures and the path of the conduit. A bend altering device containing position indicating elements is placed into the conduit in the same path as before the scan. During a procedure, the pre-procedure scans may be registered to the patient using the location of the position indicating elements in the conduit. This registration may be used in an intervention to guide instruments and templates to obtain diagnostic information or provide therapy to the targets identified in the scans.