Surgical Tool Orientation Tracking via High-Contrast Optical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object tracking techniques, such as motion-based, region-based, and feature-based tracking, are inadequate for ophthalmic surgeries due to varying illumination conditions and lack of high-contrast features in surgical tools, making real-time tool tracking challenging, especially with shadow artifacts and image degradation through multiple optical elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system that performs scans intersecting the surgical tool, generating images to determine the tool's location and orientation, using a controller to analyze these images and adjust the OCT scan to avoid tool shadows, allowing for simultaneous imaging of multiple features at arbitrary angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional feature-based object tracking is used to track surgical tools, then object tracking may be achieved, but it fails when surgical tools lack high-contrast features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a high-contrast marker with specific optical properties (reflective, fluorescent, or phosphorescent characteristics) to the surgical tool. This marker creates a distinct signal in the imaging system that is easily distinguishable from surrounding tissues, enabling reliable feature-based tracking even when the tool itself lacks intrinsic high-contrast features.
2Productivity
If motion-based object tracking is used, then automated surveillance may be achieved, but it requires a quasi-stationary background which is not present in ophthalmic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The high-contrast marker on the surgical tool provides a stable, distinctive signal that can be tracked regardless of background motion or illumination changes. The marker's optical properties remain consistent even as the surgical field moves or lighting conditions vary, enabling reliable automated tracking in dynamic ophthalmic surgical environments.
3Measurement precision
If region-based object tracking is used, then simple object tracking may be achieved, but it is sensitive to object pose variations and local illumination changes
Solution Approach 1:
The high-contrast marker maintains its distinctive optical signal across various poses and illumination conditions. The marker's reflective, fluorescent, or phosphorescent properties ensure it remains visible and distinguishable regardless of the tool's orientation or lighting changes in the surgical field, enabling robust tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-contrast marker acts as an intermediary that mediates between the surgical tool and the imaging system. This marker provides a reliable interface for detection that is not directly affected by pose variations or illumination changes, allowing the imaging system to accurately track the tool through the marker's stable signal.
4Illumination intensity
If a single illuminator is used to illuminate the surgical site, then illumination may be provided, but shadow artifacts and specular reflection from the surgical tool increase tracking complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The high-contrast marker with specific optical properties (reflective, fluorescent, or phosphorescent) produces a distinctive signal that can be differentiated from shadow artifacts and specular reflections. The marker's optical characteristics create a recognizable pattern that tracking algorithms can identify even in the presence of illumination-related artifacts, reducing tracking complexity.
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 and real-time tracking of surgical tool orientation, reducing shadow interference and enhancing the surgeon's control over OCT scans, thereby improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to receive imaging light reflected from the surgical site and to generate a scan image from each optical imaging scan
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present technology involve methods, devices, and systems for determining an orientation of a surgical tool during ophthalmic surgery. An example method includes performing an optical imaging scan in the surgical site, using a scan pattern that intersects the surgical tool and generating a scan image from the optical imaging scan. The example method further comprises analyzing the scan image to determine a location in the scan image corresponding to where the surgical tool intersected the optical imaging scan, and determining an orientation of the surgical tool, based on the determined location.