Surgical Targeting System Using Reference Body Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inserting medical implants using fluoroscopy require iterative positioning and multiple imaging shots, leading to potential displacement errors due to repositioning of the imaging system, which can result in erroneous three-dimensional information.

Innovation Solution

A targeting system comprising a targeting device with a reference body and adjustable targeting unit, an imaging system, and an evaluation unit that allows for precise positioning of a medical sub-device relative to a medical device using a single two-dimensional view, compensating for deviations such as bending of the medical device by determining the lateral distance between targeting and receiving directions and adjusting accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two different two-dimensional images are taken from different viewing positions to generate three-dimensional information, then three-dimensional positioning information is obtained, but the imaging system must be repositioned which may cause displacement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional positioning informationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a reference body with a specific three-dimensional geometry (such as a cone or cylinder) that creates a unique two-dimensional projection pattern. By analyzing the projection characteristics (shape, size, orientation) of the reference body in a single two-dimensional image, the system can determine three-dimensional spatial information including lateral distance, without needing to reposition the imaging system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The reference body serves as a known geometric copy or template with predetermined dimensions and shape. By comparing the projected image of the reference body against its known three-dimensional geometry, the system can calculate spatial relationships and lateral distances, effectively using the reference body as a geometric reference frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple fluoroscopic images are taken to monitor sub implant positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the iterative process increases surgery time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesub implant positioning accuracyVSAvoidsurgery time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference body is attached to the implant before the surgical procedure begins. Its known geometry is预先 established, so that when a single two-dimensional image is taken during surgery, the system can immediately calculate three-dimensional positioning information without requiring iterative adjustments or multiple imaging shots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit processes the single two-dimensional image to generate feedback information about the lateral distance and three-dimensional position of the sub implant relative to the implant. This feedback allows the surgeon to make a single corrective adjustment rather than iterating through multiple positioning attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single two-dimensional view is used for positioning, then the imaging process is simplified, but three-dimensional information is insufficient for accurate positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging process complexityVSAvoidpositioning information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent cleverly uses the three-dimensional geometry of the reference body to encode spatial information that can be decoded from a single two-dimensional projection. By analyzing characteristics such as the projected shape, size, and orientation of the reference body, the system reconstructs three-dimensional positioning information including lateral distance, effectively transforming a 2D image into 3D spatial data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the reference body (its three-dimensional geometry and orientation) to encode different spatial information. By varying the orientation and position of the reference body in three-dimensional space, unique two-dimensional projection patterns are created that contain sufficient information to calculate lateral distance and positioning without requiring multiple images.

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 accurate positioning of medical sub-devices by compensating for deviations in real-time, reducing the need for multiple imaging shots and minimizing displacement errors, thus improving the precision and efficiency of implant placement during surgery.

Implementation Method 1

the imaging system comprises a radiating source and a sensor, wherein the sensor being sensitive with respect to the radiating source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2593023B1Surgical targeting system and method
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I LLC
  • EP2593023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2593023B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2593023B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Targeting system and device for positioning of a medical sub device with respect to a medical device, wherein a reference body is reproducibly positioned with respect to a targeting device coupling section and reproducibly positioned with respect to a targeting unit, wherein the targeting unit has a targeting direction and is adjustable with respect to the targeting device so that the targeting direction points toward a medical sub device receptacle of a medical device to be coupled to the targeting device coupling section, wherein the imaging system is positionable with respect to the targeting device such that the imaging system is capable of imaging a single two-dimensional view of the reference body and a medical sub device receptacle, wherein the evaluation unit is adapted to generate position data of the single two-dimensional view and to determine from the position data a lateral distance between the targeting direction and a receiving direction of a medical sub device receptacle of a medical device to be coupled.