Disposable Ultrasonic Surgical Alignment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) systems for total knee replacement surgeries are costly, require complex setups, and are sensitive to light intensity and reflections, limiting their accuracy and practicality in orthopedic surgical alignment.

Innovation Solution

A portable and disposable ultrasonic alignment system comprising a primary sensor and a wand that use wireless ultrasonic tracking to determine the orientation of cutting jigs relative to anatomical alignment, eliminating the need for a mobile workstation and providing real-time alignment feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional CAS systems are used for surgical alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the alignment assistance function into separate disposable surgical tools (cutting guides with integrated sensors) rather than requiring a complete complex CAS system. Each tool independently performs alignment measurement for its specific function, segmenting the overall measurement task across multiple simple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable surgical tools with integrated alignment sensors that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, reusable CAS systems while maintaining measurement precision. The disposable nature reduces setup complexity and eliminates the need for mobile workstations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If traditional CAS systems are used for surgical alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsetup simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment measurement capability is pre-integrated into the disposable cutting tools themselves during manufacturing. Sensors and measurement features are built into the tools before surgery, eliminating the need for complex pre-operative setup of external CAS equipment. The tools are ready to use immediately upon opening the sterile package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each disposable tool performs its own alignment measurement function independently without requiring connection to external workstations or complex system calibration. The tools self-containedly provide alignment data through their integrated sensors, making the system as easy to operate as the surgical tools themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If optical-based CAS systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical-based measurement systems with mechanical/magnetic sensor systems integrated into the disposable tools. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to light intensity and reflections while maintaining measurement precision through alternative physical principles that are not affected by operating room lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system offers accurate and cost-effective alignment assistance in orthopedic surgeries, reducing hospital overhead and improving surgical efficiency by providing precise alignment data in real-time without the need for complex setup or sensitive equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The transceivers are coupled to a processor to determine the location of the surgical tools and cutting guides in a three-dimensional coordinate system based on time of flight and differential time of flight measurements of ultrasonic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic tracking: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS9452023B2Operating room surgical field device and method therefore

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP

AI summary

At least one embodiment is directed toward one or more disposable devices suitable for use in a surgical field of an operating room. One device includes a sensor communicatively coupled to a wand to register points of interest on a first or second bone of a muscular-skeletal system and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest.