Surgical Navigation with EM-Optical Instrument Pose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for surgical and assembly procedures face challenges in accurately tracking and illustrating the pose of instruments relative to a subject, particularly in obstructed views, and in efficiently segmenting anatomical structures for procedural planning.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that integrates electromagnetic and optical tracking with machine learning algorithms to track instruments in real-time, superimpose their pose on pre-acquired image data, and automatically segment anatomical features like vertebrae using convolutional neural networks, enabling precise procedural planning and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic and optical tracking systems are used to track instruments in real-time, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into separate electromagnetic and optical subsystems, each handling specific tracking tasks. The electromagnetic tracking handles deep tissue instrumentation while optical tracking handles surface-level instruments, allowing each subsystem to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
A coordinate transformation module acts as an intermediary that converts measurements from different tracking systems into a unified reference frame. This mediator integrates data from electromagnetic sensors and optical cameras, reconciling their different measurement approaches into consistent instrument position and orientation information.
2Productivity
If machine learning algorithms are used to automatically segment anatomical structures, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Anatomical structures are segmented from pre-acquired medical images before the surgical procedure begins. The machine learning algorithms process CT or MRI scans to create three-dimensional models of bones, organs, and other anatomical features in advance, so that during surgery the system can rapidly retrieve and display pre-processed anatomical data without real-time processing delays.
3Loss of information
If real-time tracking and visualization are implemented, then information availability is improved, but loss of time due to processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Anatomical structures are segmented from pre-acquired medical images before the surgical procedure begins. The machine learning algorithms process CT or MRI scans to create three-dimensional models of bones, organs, and other anatomical features in advance, so that during surgery the system can rapidly retrieve and display pre-processed anatomical data without real-time processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual representations of anatomical structures and instruments are created and manipulated in the display system. Instead of processing actual surgical data in real-time, the system uses pre-created three-dimensional models and virtual instrument replicas that can be rapidly rendered and updated, providing real-time visualization without the computational burden of processing physical measurements.
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 accurate, real-time tracking and visualization of instruments relative to anatomical structures, facilitating efficient and precise surgical and assembly procedures by providing automated segmentation and pose determination of implants.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor coil may include a conductive material that is placed within an EM field where a current is induced in the sensor coil. The measured induced current may be used to identify or determine a position of the instrument or object.
Implementation Method 2
The optical tracking system includes a set of cameras with a field of vision to triangulate a position of the instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system to assist in a procedure. During the procedure an object may be moved relative to a subject, such as being positioned and/or placed within a subject. The system and related method may be used to assist in displaying and/or determining a pose of the object relative to a subject, such as rigid portions of a subject.