Two-Arm Surgical Robot for Implant Alignment With Less X-Ray Exposure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for implant positioning in surgery, particularly in bony structures like the hip, knee, or ankle, require repeated x-ray exposure, leading to high radiation doses for patients and limited accuracy due to iterative positioning processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgery device with two robot arms that utilize a reference structure, position determining units, and motion controlling units to accurately align implants, tools, and sub-implants with respect to each other, reducing the need for iterative x-ray imaging by determining and controlling the required motion to achieve precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated x-ray monitoring is used to ensure correct implant positioning, then implant alignment accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-planning the implant position and trajectory using 3D imaging and navigation software before the actual implantation. The robotic arm is pre-programmed with the optimal path and positioning parameters, allowing the surgeon to execute the procedure with minimal real-time adjustments and reduced need for repeated x-ray verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through real-time tracking of the robotic arm position, implant orientation, and surgical tool location using optical or electromagnetic tracking systems. This provides the surgeon with immediate visual feedback on positioning accuracy without requiring additional x-ray exposure, enabling precise adjustments based on navigational data rather than radiographic imaging.
2Measurement precision
If iterative positioning with multiple x-ray images is performed, then implant positioning accuracy is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal implant position and orientation are determined in advance through 3D planning software and virtual surgery simulation. The robotic arm is pre-programmed with the exact trajectory and positioning parameters before the surgical procedure begins, eliminating the need for iterative positioning adjustments during surgery and significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical trial-and-error positioning method with an automated robotic system that executes pre-calculated trajectories with sub-millimeter precision. The robotic arm follows computer-generated paths without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming iterative process of positioning, verifying with x-ray, and repositioning.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning by surgeon is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer between the surgeon's intent and the physical positioning. The navigation software acts as a mediator that translates the surgical plan into precise robotic motion commands, while the robotic arm serves as an intermediary mechanical system that executes positioning with superhuman precision. This intermediary layer enables positioning accuracy far beyond manual capability while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-positioning through automated feedback control. The tracking system continuously monitors the robotic arm's actual position and automatically makes corrections to maintain alignment with the planned trajectory, without requiring constant manual adjustment by the surgeon. This self-correcting capability maintains high positioning precision while reducing the complexity of manual control.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If K-wire is placed outside bone or inserted deeply for better illustration, then measurement capability is improved, but patient trauma and x-ray exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical measurement methods (K-wire placement requiring x-ray verification) with optical or electromagnetic tracking systems. These non-invasive sensors can detect and measure the position of surgical tools and implants in three-dimensional space without requiring the tools to be placed in specific locations for measurement purposes, eliminating the need for trauma-inducing K-wire placement and associated x-ray exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-assisted surgery device and a method for operating the same which allows a more efficient positioning and application of an implant with respect to a bony structure, and in particular a shorter operation time and less intensity of x-ray exposure for a patient. A device for computer-assisted surgery includes a reference structure, a first arm, a second arm, a position determining unit and a motion controlling unit.