Surgical Instrument Tracking with Passive Vectorized Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical monitoring systems lack precise tracking of surgical instruments in three dimensions relative to the surgical site, especially during procedures involving interchangeable tools, which can disrupt workflow and compromise sterility when manually measured or specified.
Innovation Solution
A system with a handheld implement featuring a passive vectorized tracking marker and a microchip storing geometric information, allowing for contactless interrogation and precise tracking of the instrument's location and orientation using a non-stereo optical tracker, enabling real-time monitoring of surgical instruments within the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement or specification methods are used for surgical instruments, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an optical tracking system that uses electromagnetic fields and optical detection to automatically determine the three-dimensional location and orientation of surgical instruments. The tracker detects markers on instruments without physical contact, eliminating the need for manual measurement while achieving high precision tracking accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tracking markers are manually attached to surgical instruments, then adaptability is improved, but productivity and workflow efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tracking markers into surgical instruments during the manufacturing process, so that the instruments are ready for immediate use with the tracking system. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for manual attachment during surgery, maintaining adaptability across different instruments while significantly improving workflow efficiency and productivity.
3Reliability
If manual handling of surgical instruments is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and sterility control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical tracking system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical instruments. The system uses optical fields and electromagnetic detection to monitor instrument location and orientation without requiring manual measurement or direct contact with sterile fields. This intermediary system maintains sterility by eliminating manual handling for measurement purposes while providing reliable real-time feedback to the surgeon.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tool system comprising a handheld implement having a passive vectorized tracking marker permanently integrated with the implement at a predetermined location on the implement in a predetermined orientation with respect to the implement; and a database comprising geometric information describing the at least one of a rotationally asymmetric shape of the tracking marker and a rotationally asymmetric pattern disposed on the tracking marker. The system may further comprise: a tracker configured for obtaining image information about the tracking marker when the tracking marker is in a field of view of the tracker; and a controller having a processor and memory, the controller in communication with the database and the tracker, the processor programmable for receiving and processing image information from the tracker; accessing the database to retrieve the geometric information; and comparing the image information with the geometric information. The handheld implement may be three-dimensionally tracked by the tracker.