Surgical Mesh Image Analysis for Accurate Tack Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a high chance of hernias returning after repair surgery due to inadequate mesh and tack placement during hernia repair, necessitating improved methods for diagnosing and determining mesh and tack placement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processor and display screen to analyze surgical mesh images, detect desired locations, calculate distances between tacks, and provide guidance for optimal tack placement, utilizing 2D and 3D image analysis and geodesic reconstruction to assess mesh attachment to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual inspection methods are used for mesh and tack placement, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the accuracy and reliability of placement diagnosis is insufficient leading to high hernia recurrence rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imaging device as an intermediary between the surgical site and the surgeon's assessment. The imaging device captures images of the mesh and tack placement, which are then processed and displayed to provide enhanced diagnostic information without requiring the surgeon to directly observe the surgical site with naked eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual inspection with an imaging-based diagnostic system. Instead of relying on direct visual observation during surgery, the system uses imaging devices to capture, process, and display images that provide more accurate and detailed information about mesh and tack placement.
2Measurement precision
If detailed image analysis and 3D reconstruction are performed to improve diagnostic accuracy, then placement precision improves, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images during the surgical procedure and preparing them for analysis. The system is set up to receive and process images as they are taken, allowing for real-time or near-real-time analysis without requiring extensive post-surgical processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selecting specific regions of interest in the images for detailed analysis rather than processing entire images at full resolution. This approach focuses computational resources on critical areas such as tack placement sites and mesh attachment regions, reducing overall processing time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for surgical mesh analysis includes a display screen, a processor, and a memory. The memory has instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor, cause the system to: access an image of a surgical site (602). The image includes the surgical mesh. The surgical mesh includes a grid of cells. The instructions, when executed by the processor further cause the system to detect a first desired location on the surgical mesh in the image (604); detect a second desired location on the surgical mesh in the image (606); determine a distance between the first desired location and the second desired location along the surgical mesh in the image (608); and display, on the display screen, the determined distance (610).