Surgical Instrument Tracking Holder for Recalibration-Free Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for surgical instruments require recalibration every time an instrument is changed, which prolongs procedures and disrupts the minimally invasive nature of operations.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device holder with integrated trackable members that remains fixed to the instrument handle, allowing for seamless instrument exchange without recalibration by maintaining a consistent position relative to the handle through a chassis, trackable member engagement, and handle engagement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking system is used to track surgical instruments, then the position of the instrument can be displayed on a display device, but recalibration is required every time an instrument is changed which prolongs procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device holder merges the tracking device with the instrument handle by integrating the holder onto the handle. This combination ensures that the tracking device moves with the instrument, eliminating the need for recalibration when instruments are exchanged, as the tracking device remains consistently positioned relative to the handle throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is pre-configured with engagement features (such as recesses and protrusions or snap-fit mechanisms) that automatically position and secure the tracking device relative to the instrument handle before use. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for intra-procedure recalibration, as the geometric relationship is established in advance and maintained throughout the surgical procedure
2Reliability
If recalibration is performed every time an instrument is changed, then tracking accuracy can be maintained, but procedure time increases and minimally invasive nature is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tracking device with the instrument handle through integration, the system maintains tracking accuracy without requiring recalibration during instrument exchanges. The combined unit ensures consistent geometric relationships are preserved automatically throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder enables continuous tracking without interruption by maintaining a fixed geometric relationship between the tracking device and instrument handle throughout the entire procedure. This eliminates the discontinuous recalibration steps required in conventional systems, allowing seamless instrument exchanges while maintaining continuous accurate tracking
3Loss of time
If a tracking device is integrated with the instrument handle, then recalibration is eliminated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then attached to the instrument handle. This segmentation allows the complex integration function to be achieved through a dedicated module rather than complicating the entire instrument assembly, making the design more manageable and manufacturable
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for tracking an instrument. The instrument may be tracked with one or more trackable members. The trackable members may be held relative to a handle to which the instrument is attached.