Robotic Bend Planning for Precise Surgical Rod Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual methods for bending surgical rods in spinal fusion surgery are cumbersome and can introduce notches, reducing the rod's fatigue life, and lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a processor and memory that generates a bend plan based on transformation points, using a bending robot to automatically shape surgical rods with precision, reducing manual effort and minimizing notching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual devices (French bender, power bender) are used to bend surgical rods, then the rod can be bent to desired curvature, but the process becomes cumbersome and introduces notches that decrease fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bending devices with an automated robotic system that uses controlled mechanical forces. The robotic arm with specialized end effectors applies precise bending forces without the manual manipulation that causes notching, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving rod reliability and fatigue life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated rod bending where the robotic system independently performs the bending operation based on pre-programmed parameters. The surgeon positions the rod and the system automatically executes the bending process, eliminating manual intervention and the associated notching problem.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual devices are used to bend rods, then bending can be performed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-programming the bending parameters and robot motion paths before the actual surgical procedure. The bend plans are calculated in advance based on the desired spinal alignment, allowing the robotic system to execute the bending operation efficiently during surgery without time-consuming manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the cumbersome manual bending process with an automated robotic system, the patent eliminates the complexity and time required for manual device operation. The robotic arm can quickly and accurately execute bending operations, significantly reducing the time spent on rod bending during surgery.
3Productivity
If automated robotic bending is implemented, then precision and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It can perform rod bending, positioning, and potentially other surgical tasks using the same robotic arm and control system. This universal capability maximizes the productivity benefit while amortizing the complexity cost across multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copying of the desired spinal alignment from preoperative planning or intraoperative imaging. The bend plan is created as a digital model that the robotic system then executes with high precision. This copying approach simplifies the control complexity by using pre-calculated parameters rather than requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems providing robotic bending used to bend a surgical rod are disclosed. Such systems may include a processor and memory coupled with the processor. The memory includes computer readable program code so that when the computer readable program code is executed by the processor, the processor performs operations including providing a set of transformation points corresponding to respective attachment implants, generating a bend plan for the surgical rod based on the set of transformation points, and generating an image output to render the set of transformation points and the bend plan on a display. Related methods and computer program products are also discussed.