Stepwise Surgical Planning Guidance for Transparent Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical planning systems lack transparency, making it difficult for users to understand the underlying algorithms and effectively customize surgical plans.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that guide users through a series of steps via a graphical user interface, providing transparency into the algorithm's decision-making process and allowing customization of the initial surgical plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a planning system uses an algorithm to generate surgical plans automatically, then productivity is improved, but the user cannot understand the underlying algorithm (loss of information)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface that mediates between the automated planning algorithm and the user. This interface displays the algorithm's decision-making process step-by-step, translating complex computational logic into understandable visual representations. The intermediary allows users to see how the algorithm processes input data and arrives at surgical plan recommendations without exposing the full algorithmic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the algorithm's operation into discrete, interpretable steps. Instead of presenting a monolithic black-box algorithm, the system breaks down the planning process into sequential decisions (e.g., bone quality assessment, implant size selection, placement angle determination). Each step can be individually examined and explained to the user, making the overall algorithm transparent while maintaining automation.
2Ease of operation
If the user is provided with a complete surgical plan without guidance, then ease of operation is improved, but the user cannot effectively customize the plan (worsening adaptability)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface that adapts its level of guidance based on user interaction. The system starts by presenting the complete surgical plan for easy review, then progressively provides guidance and customization options when the user requests to modify specific parameters. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain ease of operation while enabling extensive customization capability on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and presenting the complete surgical plan before the user needs to customize it. The algorithm generates the initial plan automatically, and the interface prepares customization options in advance. When the user decides to modify the plan, the system has already structured the data to allow easy adjustment without requiring the user to understand the underlying algorithm.
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed guidance through multiple steps, then algorithm transparency is improved, but the time required for planning increases (loss of time)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by presenting algorithm transparency information in discrete, timed intervals rather than continuously. The system provides guidance at key decision points in the planning process, allowing users to review explanations only when needed. This periodic delivery of information maintains transparency while minimizing time consumption compared to continuous detailed guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving the development of an initial surgical plan includes receiving input information, developing an initial surgical plan based upon the input information, and allowing a user to customize the initial surgical plan by providing input related to modifications to the initial surgical plan. The method further includes storing information related to the modifications to the initial surgical plan and using the stored information to develop a subsequent initial surgical plan based on the modifications.