Surgical Navigation Tracking Movable Anatomical References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for surgical components face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning relative to movable anatomical references during surgery, as these references can shift, making real-time adjustment and tracking difficult for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system that includes sensors and a control unit to track the position of movable regions on a patient relative to fixed regions, using triangulation methods and detectable signals to ensure precise placement of surgical instruments and components even when anatomical reference points move, incorporating sensors on both the patient and surgical components to provide real-time location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional navigation systems use fixed anatomical references, then initial positioning accuracy is achieved, but accuracy is lost when references move during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static anatomical references to dynamic sensor-based tracking. Sensors are attached to both the patient's anatomy and surgical instruments, enabling real-time detection of positional changes. The control unit continuously updates position data as anatomy moves during surgery, maintaining accuracy throughout the procedure rather than only at the initial registration stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through sensors that detect the positions of anatomical landmarks and surgical instruments. This feedback loop allows the control unit to recalculate and update the relationship between instruments and anatomy in real-time, compensating for movements that occur during surgery and maintaining positioning accuracy throughout the procedure.
2Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are mounted on patient and instruments, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors serve multiple functions: they track anatomical landmark positions, monitor instrument positions, and provide data for continuous position calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, managing system complexity while enabling comprehensive real-time tracking of both anatomy and instruments throughout the surgical procedure.
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 surgeons to accurately position and navigate surgical components with submillimeter accuracy, even when anatomical reference points are moved during surgery, enhancing precision and safety in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a power source to emit a detectable signal during operation of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation and monitoring system to track positions of surgical components during surgery of a patient. Some embodiments include a power source to emit a tracking signal during surgery of the patient, a first sensor mounted to a region of the patient to respond to the emitted tracking signal, and a control unit to track a position of the region relative to a fixed region of the patient as the region moves with respect to the fixed region, based on the response of the first sensor. The system can calibrate and register a movable reference point of the patient relative to a fixed reference point, and can maintain that reference point when the movable reference point moves in space during a surgical process.