Surgical Robot Navigation With Infrared Tracking for Fusion Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot-assisted surgery systems face challenges in accurately tracking surgical instruments and navigating interbody fusion devices due to limitations in tracking accuracy and loss of tracking during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical robotic system with navigable instrumentation and navigation software is provided, featuring a robot arm, end-effector, articulating arm, and camera for precise tracking and navigation of surgical instruments, including dilators, retractors, and interbody fusion devices, using infrared markers and optical cameras for real-time positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared signal-based position recognition systems use passive or active sensors for tracking surgical instruments, then the system can determine the 3D position of instruments, but tracking accuracy is lost or insufficient during robot-assisted surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective spherical balls (passive sensors) that reflect infrared signals and active infrared transmitters (LEDs) that generate their own infrared signals. These optical markers utilize light reflection and emission properties to create detectable signals that maintain tracking accuracy throughout the surgical procedure, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.
2Productivity
If traditional navigation methods are used for placing interbody fusion devices, then surgical instruments can be positioned, but fluoroscopy is required which increases radiation exposure and reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy-based navigation with an optical tracking system using infrared cameras and optical markers. This substitution eliminates the need for ionizing radiation while providing real-time 3D position tracking of surgical instruments, thereby improving surgical efficiency and removing harmful radiation exposure.
3Manufacturing precision
If robot arms are used to assist in surgical procedures, then precision can be improved, but the complexity of the surgical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an articulating arm as an intermediary component between the robot arm and the surgical instrument. The articulating arm includes optical markers that enable tracking while providing mechanical flexibility and ease of positioning. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by decoupling the robotic positioning system from the surgical instrument, allowing independent optimization of each component.
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
Enhances the accuracy and precision of surgical instrument navigation, allowing for improved access, preparation, and placement of interbody fusion devices, ensuring precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared transmitters transmit a signal, and the reflective spherical balls reflect the signal to aid in determining the position of the object in 3D. In active sensors or markers, the objects to be tracked include active infrared transmitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), and thus generate their own infrared signals for 3D detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for a robot-assisted surgery. Navigable instrumentation, which are capable of being navigated by a surgeon using the surgical robot system, and navigation software allow for the navigated placement of interbody fusion devices or other surgical devices.