Surgical Path Scoring System for Optimal Insertion Site Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical planning and navigation systems do not provide sufficient information for selecting an optimal insertion site for minimally invasive procedures, increasing the risk of patient injury during the insertion of instruments through patient tissue.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a computing device to store images of patient tissue and anatomical data, generate multiple surgical paths to a target location, and score each path based on its comparison with anatomical features, presenting the outer surface with indications of path suitability for insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If current surgical planning and navigation systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but sufficient information is not provided for selecting an optimal insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the surgical path evaluation into multiple independent scoring criteria including distance to anatomical features, path length, and angle of insertion. Each criterion is evaluated separately and combined to provide comprehensive information for insertion site selection, addressing the information deficiency in current systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D model copy of the patient's anatomy from medical imaging data, allowing multiple path simulations and evaluations to be performed on the digital model before actual surgery. This virtual copying enables thorough analysis without risk to the patient.
2Measurement precision
If multiple paths are generated and evaluated, then optimal insertion site can be selected, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the complex evaluation of surgical paths into standardized numerical scores based on key parameters such as distance to anatomical features, path length, and insertion angle. This parameterization simplifies the computational evaluation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different scoring weights and evaluation criteria to different regions of the tissue volume based on local anatomical characteristics. Areas with critical structures receive more stringent evaluation, while safer regions allow more flexibility, optimizing the balance between precision and computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computing device for displaying surgical path data are provided. The computing device includes an input device, a display, a memory and a processor. The memory stores (i) an image of a volume of patient tissue having an outer surface, and (ii) anatomical data defining anatomical features of the volume. The processor receives an identifier of a target location within the volume; generates a plurality of paths from the outer surface to the target location, each path having a start point located on the outer surface, and an end point at the target location; for each of the plurality of paths, determines a score based on a comparison between the path and the anatomical data; and controls the display to present the outer surface and, at the locations of the start points, indications of the respective scores of the paths corresponding to the start points.