Surgical Instrument Tracking Device for Minimally Invasive Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical procedures, especially those involving minimally invasive techniques, existing tracking devices for navigated instruments often occupy significant space, hindering precise location tracking and instrument maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device is integrated or wrapped around the instrument's axis, embedded in its surface, or positioned internally to minimize space consumption, utilizing electromagnetic coils to transmit or sense a magnetic field for precise location determination within a navigation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking device is attached to a surgical instrument, then location tracking capability is improved, but the volume and space occupied by the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is positioned within the lumen of the surgical instrument, nesting the tracking components inside the existing instrument structure. This allows the tracking device to be housed within the instrument's internal space rather than adding external volume, resolving the contradiction between tracking capability and instrument size
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking device utilizes electromagnetic fields in three-dimensional space to determine location, allowing tracking functionality to be achieved without increasing the physical footprint of the instrument in any given dimension. The electromagnetic field extends beyond the instrument body to provide tracking data
2Measurement precision
If a tracking device is attached to a surgical instrument, then location tracking capability is improved, but the instrument's maneuverability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the tracking device within the instrument's lumen rather than attaching it externally, the instrument maintains its original external profile and maneuverability characteristics while still providing accurate location tracking through the embedded sensors
3Measurement precision
If a tracking device is attached to a minimally invasive instrument, then location tracking capability is improved, but the instrument's minimal invasive profile is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device components are positioned within the lumen of the minimally invasive instrument, allowing the external shape and profile to remain unchanged and maintain minimal invasiveness while the internal components provide necessary tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking functionality is achieved by utilizing electromagnetic fields that extend beyond the instrument's physical boundaries, allowing location determination without adding external components that would compromise the minimal invasive profile
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
This configuration allows for accurate, space-efficient tracking of instrument location and orientation, enhancing navigational precision and maneuverability during surgical procedures while maintaining the instrument's minimal invasive profile.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electromagnetic coils to transmit or sense a magnetic field for precise location determination within a navigation system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.