3D Surgical Sensor Tracking Without Fluoroscopy Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical tracking systems, such as fluoroscopy, provide limited 2D imaging and require cumbersome equipment movement, posing challenges for real-time, three-dimensional tracking of surgical instruments and personnel movements during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensor packages with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and communication interfaces, attached to surgical instruments and personnel, enabling real-time, three-dimensional tracking and data recording for improved surgical outcomes and procedural analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopy is used to monitor catheter insertion and manipulation, then real-time imaging is provided, but only 2D images are obtained and equipment movement is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking dimensionalityVSAvoidequipment mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fluoroscopy system with sensor-based tracking devices that use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to capture motion data. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky fluoroscopy equipment while providing three-dimensional tracking capabilities through computational processing of sensor signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor packages as intermediary devices that attach to surgical instruments and personnel. These sensors act as mediators between the physical motion and the digital tracking system, converting mechanical movements into measurable data without requiring direct line-of-sight imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If fluoroscopy equipment is moved to obtain additional views, then more imaging perspectives are achieved, but time is lost and radiation exposure risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging perspectiveVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluoroscopy imaging to three-dimensional spatial tracking by incorporating sensors that measure motion in all three spatial dimensions. This dimensional enhancement provides complete spatial information without requiring physical repositioning of imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor packages serve multiple functions simultaneously: tracking instrument position, monitoring personnel movement, recording procedural data, and enabling three-dimensional reconstruction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging setups for different perspectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If sensor packages are attached to surgical instruments, then real-time three-dimensional tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (acceleration, rotation, magnetic field detection) into integrated sensor packages that attach to instruments. By merging these functions into single modular units, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate devices for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms complex three-dimensional tracking requirements into measurable parameter changes through sensor outputs. By converting spatial position and orientation into electrical signals from accelerometers and gyroscopes, the system simplifies the measurement process while maintaining high tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables real-time, three-dimensional tracking of surgical instruments and personnel movements, facilitating data-driven decision-making and outcome prediction, reducing risks, and optimizing surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor element including an accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS12564452B2Systems and methods for surgical tracking and prediction

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 ULYSSES MEDICAL TECH INC

AI summary

A system may include a first sensor element comprising an accelerometer. A system may include a first communications interface. A system may include a second sensor package comprising. A system may include a second sensor element comprising an accelerometer. A system may include a second communications interface, wherein the first sensor package is configured to be disposed in a reference position, wherein the second sensor package is configured to move relative to the first sensor package, wherein the first communications interface is configured to enable electronic communications with at least one of the second sensor package or a computer system, wherein the second communications interface is configured to enable electronic communications with at least one of the first sensor package or the computer system.