Surgical Navigation Apparatus with Fixed Laser-Measurement Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems require frequent calibration of laser beam positions, which can be time-consuming and disrupt surgical operations when laser beams are obstructed or shifted, leading to inaccuracies in tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
A position measuring apparatus with a three-dimensional position measuring system and fixed laser beam emitting means, allowing for constant relative positional relationship between the position indicating and measuring components, eliminating the need for recalibration during surgical operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser beam outlet position is moved to avoid obstruction during surgical operation, then the laser beam can be maintained unobstructed, but the calibration operation must be repeated which consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser beam emitting means and the three-dimensional position measuring means into a single integrated unit with a fixed relative positional relationship. This merging ensures that when the unit moves, both components move together, maintaining their coordinate alignment without requiring recalibration, thus avoiding time loss while ensuring continuous laser beam availability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit automatically maintains its coordinate system alignment through its fixed internal structure. When moved to a new position, the system self-adjusts without requiring external calibration operations, as the fixed relative positioning between the laser emitter and measurement means ensures continuous coordinate consistency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the position indicating means and position measuring means are separated independently, then each can be positioned flexibly, but the calibration operation is required frequently to maintain coordinate coincidence
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the position indicating means and position measuring means into a single unit with fixed relative positioning, the system achieves both flexibility (the entire unit can be moved to different locations) and calibration-free operation (the fixed internal relationship maintains coordinate alignment automatically)
3Ease of operation
If the laser beam is used to indicate position during surgical operation, then visual information is provided to the surgeon, but the laser beam may be obstructed or cutoff by patient body or surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit can be dynamically repositioned during surgery to maintain optimal laser beam visibility. Since the unit moves as a whole with fixed internal positioning, the laser emitter can be relocated to avoid obstructions without compromising measurement accuracy or requiring recalibration
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
Enables precise and continuous surgical tool positioning without the need for frequent calibration, allowing surgeons to focus on the operation without visual reliance on navigation screens, reducing operational time and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional position measuring means for measuring a position and a direction of a surgical field and also the position and the direction of said tool
Implementation Method 2
a position indicating means for indicating a position and a direction of a tool
Data Source
AI summary
A position measuring apparatus, for use in an assisting apparatus for surgical opertions, includes a position indicating apparatus for indicating a position and a direction of a tool, and three-dimensional position measuring apparatus for measuring a position and a direction of a surgical field and also the position and the direction of the tool. The position indicating apparatus and the three dimensional position measuring apparatus are unified in one body in the relative position thereof, so that a position for assistance of surgical operation is indicated in the form of an intersection line or an intersection point of the laser beams, irrespective of the position of the position measuring apparatus.