Surgical Instrument Sensor Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments equipped with sensors face challenges in accurately correlating angular displacement measurements with traditional clinical imaging systems, leading to ambiguity in measurement accuracy during spinal stabilization surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a handheld surgical instrument with a measurement sensor assembly that includes an accelerometer referenced to X, Y, and Z axes, aligning the sensor axes with the patient's anatomical axes, and correlating the sensor data with imaging system data to ensure accurate angular orientation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If angular displacement sensors are used in handheld surgical instruments to provide real-time measurements, then the surgeon can orient the tool at proper angles, but the sensor measurements do not match imaging system data due to different reference frames (gravity vs. patient axis)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation system that converts sensor measurements from the gravity reference frame to the patient anatomical axis reference frame. This intermediary transformation layer reconciles the mismatch between sensor data (referenced to gravity) and imaging system data (referenced to patient axes), enabling accurate correlation without modifying the fundamental measurement mechanisms of either system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference frame parameter from gravity-based to patient-axis-based by applying coordinate transformation matrices. This parameter change allows the same physical measurements to be expressed in different reference frames, enabling direct comparison and correlation between sensor measurements and imaging system data while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor measures angles relative to gravity, then real-time feedback is provided, but the measurements are ambiguous when correlated with imaging system data taken relative to patient axes
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate transformation system acts as an intermediary that preserves the real-time measurement capability while resolving the reference frame mismatch. The transformation is computed and applied in real-time, maintaining the ease of operation with immediate feedback while eliminating the ambiguity in data correlation through accurate reference frame conversion.
3Manufacturing precision
If the handheld instrument is tilted to achieve proper sagittal and axial angles, then precise pilot hole placement is enabled, but rotation about the Y-axis introduces measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using coordinate transformation matrices that account for Y-axis rotation. The transformation dynamically adjusts for any rotation about the Y-axis, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision even when the instrument is rotated during the procedure to achieve proper sagittal and axial angles for pilot hole placement.
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
The proposed solution enhances the accuracy of angular orientation measurements, enabling precise placement of pedicle screws by correlating sensor data with imaging system data, thus improving the success rate of spinal stabilization surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer referenced to an X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis, and which measures displacements of the accelerometer and handheld instrument along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis in relation to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An accuracy enhancement system to increase the accuracy of an alignment feedback system that measures the tilt of a surgical instrument is provided. The accuracy enhancement system also correlates tilt information measured by the surgical instrument with imaging information taken by a clinical imaging system.