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, reducing manual effort and minimizing notching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual devices (French bender, power bender) are used to bend surgical rods, then the bending operation can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and introduces notches that reduce fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical bending devices with a robotic system that uses a computer-generated bend plan to automatically control the bending process. The robotic arm with bending tool applies controlled forces based on pre-calculated parameters, eliminating the need for manual manipulation with French or power benders. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation through automation and reliability through precise, notch-free bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a complete bend plan before the actual bending operation. The computer calculates all bending parameters, forces, and sequences in advance, then executes them automatically. This preliminary planning eliminates the need for manual decision-making during the bending process, reducing operational complexity while ensuring optimal bending paths that avoid notching and preserve rod integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual devices are used to bend rods, then bending can be achieved, but precision and control over the bending process are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual mechanical devices with an automated system controlled by computer algorithms. The bend plan is generated through computational analysis of the desired rod shape and spinal anatomy, providing precise control over bending forces, positions, and sequences. This automation achieves superior manufacturing precision while simplifying the operator's role to monitoring and verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the computer monitors the bending process in real-time and adjusts parameters based on actual rod response. This closed-loop control ensures that the bending precision matches the planned parameters, automatically compensating for variations in rod material properties or positioning without requiring manual intervention.
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.