Surgical Tool Configuration with Laser-Scanned Anatomical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tool configuration methods are inflexible and inaccurate, often requiring pre-manufactured positioning guides that limit surgical tool configurations to a single setup, and are challenged by the need for precise alignment to anatomical features during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a laser range finding device to generate a 3D point cloud of anatomical features, aligning a model coordinate system to determine a desired configuration of a bone preparation tool relative to a fixed reference feature, enabling accurate and flexible surgical tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pre-manufactured positioning guide is used to guide the surgical tool, then the manufacturing precision of the tool position is improved, but the adaptability to different surgical configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool configuration system allows dynamic adjustment of tool parameters (such as cutting angle, depth, and orientation) during surgery through computer-controlled mechanisms. The positioning guide can be adjusted in real-time based on actual anatomical measurements, transforming a static pre-manufactured guide into a dynamic system that adapts to surgical needs while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change of surgical parameters (cutting angle, tool orientation, positioning coordinates) after the positioning guide is manufactured. By allowing parameter modification through computer control and real-time measurement adjustment, the system maintains the manufacturing precision of the guide while adapting to different surgical configurations and anatomical variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a positioning guide is manufactured before surgery, then the manufacturing precision of the surgical plan is improved, but the loss of time in the surgical preparation process is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-planning the surgical configuration using computer algorithms and patient-specific anatomical data before surgery. The positioning guide is designed with pre-determined optimal parameters based on virtual surgical planning, allowing the actual surgery to proceed with minimal adjustment time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement and adjustment mechanisms with computer-based automated measurement and control systems. Laser scanners and sensors automatically capture anatomical data and calculate optimal surgical parameters, substituting time-consuming manual preparation with rapid computational analysis while maintaining or improving manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If a re-usable instrument with fixed settings is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision for patient-specific configurations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system combines universal reusable components with patient-specific customizable features. The base instrument can be used for multiple procedures, but allows adjustment of critical parameters (cutting angle, depth, orientation) to match patient-specific anatomical requirements. The positioning guide serves multiple functions: initial positioning, angle reference, and depth control, all while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning guide acts as an intermediary between the reusable instrument and the patient-specific anatomical features. It provides the interface that translates general instrument capabilities into precise patient-specific configurations, allowing the reusable instrument to achieve manufacturing-level precision through the mediating guide without compromising ease of operation.
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
Enhances surgical tool alignment accuracy by allowing real-time adjustment based on actual anatomical features, improving surgical precision and flexibility in configuring tools for personalized orthopedic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
directing a laser light source of a laser range finding device towards the bone; detecting, by a light sensor of the laser range finding device, light reflected by the bone
Implementation Method 2
detecting, by a light sensor of the laser range finding device, light reflected by the bone
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for configuring a surgical tool during surgery. A laser scanner generates sensor data and a processor determines spatial data indicative of a position of the anatomical feature and of a position of a tool interface that is fixed in relation to the anatomical feature based on the sensor data. The processor also determines a first desired spatial configuration of the surgical tool in relation to the tool interface based on the spatial data and a second desired spatial configuration of the surgical tool in relation to the anatomical feature. The outcome is more accurate and less complex than other methods, such as methods that are based on reference to the absolute positions of the anatomical feature and the surgical tool within an operation theatre.