Surgical Navigation System Using Sequential Monte Carlo Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic surgical navigation systems lack precise real-time feedback and calibration methods for inertial measurement units, leading to inaccuracies in surgical tool positioning and anatomical feature alignment during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical navigation system utilizing a primary processor with a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm, coupled with inertial measurement units and magnetometers, for real-time calculation and correction of tool and anatomical feature positions, along with a calibration system for normalizing magnetic field distortions and accelerometer data, enabling precise surgical tool guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current orthopedic surgical navigation systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed with basic navigation capability, but precise real-time feedback and accurate surgical tool positioning are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where inertial measurement units (IMUs) mounted on surgical tools continuously provide real-time position and orientation data to a primary processor. The system calculates changes in three-dimensional position and provides visual feedback on a display, enabling surgeons to accurately track tool locations during procedures. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by providing both precise measurement and reliable real-time information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical navigation systems with an inertial measurement-based system. Instead of relying on mechanical trackers or optical systems, the invention uses IMUs containing accelerometers and magnetometers to measure tool position and orientation. This substitution enables more accurate and reliable real-time feedback without the limitations of mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If inertial measurement units are used for surgical navigation, then real-time position tracking is enabled, but magnetic field distortions and calibration inaccuracies affect measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a calibration system that performs preliminary actions to normalize magnetic field data before use in position calculations. The system includes calibration tools with known positions and orientations that allow the processor to establish reference data and correct for magnetic field distortions. This preliminary calibration action ensures subsequent measurements maintain high precision while enabling real-time tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in position calculation by incorporating calibration-derived correction factors. The system adjusts magnetic field data parameters based on calibration measurements, transforming raw sensor data into accurate position information. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by maintaining real-time tracking while correcting for magnetic field distortions.
3Measurement precision
If a calibration system for inertial measurement units is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses calibration tools that are copies or replicas of the surgical tools, allowing calibration to be performed on identical hardware. The calibration tool includes an IMU mounted in a known configuration, creating a reference copy that simplifies the calibration process. This copying approach reduces device complexity by using standardized, reusable calibration artifacts rather than complex calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, working with various surgical tools and IMU configurations. The calibration tool can be used to calibrate different types of surgical instruments, and the system adapts to various calibration scenarios. This universality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating calibration capabilities into a single versatile system rather than requiring tool-specific calibration procedures.
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
The system provides accurate real-time feedback and calibration, enhancing the precision of surgical tool positioning and anatomical feature alignment, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of orthopedic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The inertial measurement unit includes at least three accelerometers and three magnetometers, each of the at least three accelerometers outputs data relative to three axes for a total of no less than nine accelerometer data streams
Implementation Method 2
each of at least three magnetometers outputs data relative to three axes for a total of no less than nine magnetometer data streams, the primary processor utilizes the nine accelerometer data streams and the nine magnetometer data streams to calculate changes in three dimensional position
Implementation Method 3
A surgical navigation system utilizing a primary processor with a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm, coupled with inertial measurement units and magnetometers, for real-time calculation and correction of tool and anatomical feature positions, along with a calibration system for normalizing magnetic field distortions
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical navigation system comprising a signal receiver communicatively coupled to a primary processor, the primary processor programmed to utilize a sequential Monte Carlo algorithm to calculate changes in three dimensional position of an inertial measurement unit mounted to a surgical tool, the processor communicatively coupled to a first memory storing tool data unique to each of a plurality of surgical tools, and a second memory storing a model data sufficient to construct a three dimensional model of an anatomical feature, the primary processor communicatively coupled to a display providing visual feedback regarding the three dimensional position of the surgical tool with respect to the anatomical feature.