Ultrasonic Surgical Tool for Bone Entry Point Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems for locating the entry point of a surgical instrument into a bone structure, such as in orthopedic surgery, face challenges in precision due to the lack of direct visibility of the bone structure beneath soft tissue, leading to potential damage to nearby tissues and reliance on radiation or time-consuming ultrasonic techniques.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing a tool with an ultrasonic location measurement device that emits and receives signals to identify the interface between bone and soft tissue based on acoustic impedance differences, allowing for real-time, non-invasive determination of the entry point and path of the surgical instrument without harmful radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging techniques are used to determine the entry point into the bone structure, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces X-ray imaging techniques with ultrasonic measurement techniques to locate the entry point into the bone structure. The ultrasonic measurement device emits ultrasonic signals that propagate through soft tissue and bone, and the processing device determines the entry point based on reflected signals and acoustic impedance differences, eliminating harmful radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the difference in acoustic impedance parameters between soft tissue and bone to identify the entry point. By measuring the reflection characteristics of ultrasonic signals at tissue interfaces and analyzing acoustic impedance variations, the system can precisely locate the bone surface without radiation, transforming the measurement approach from radiographic to acoustic parameter-based detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ultrasonic techniques are used to determine positioning of the surgical instrument, then harmful radiation is avoided, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential ultrasonic measurement functionality needed for entry point localization, rather than implementing full ultrasonic imaging systems. The measurement device emits ultrasonic signals and the processing device selectively processes reflected signals to determine the entry point, simplifying the system by focusing on the critical measurement function while avoiding complex imaging processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial ultrasonic action by emitting ultrasonic signals only in the specific region where entry point localization is needed, rather than performing comprehensive ultrasonic scanning of the entire anatomical structure. This reduces the complexity and time required while still achieving the necessary measurement precision for safe surgical instrument insertion.
3Ease of operation
If empirical palpation is used to determine the entry point, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the surgical instrument itself to perform the measurement function through its integrated ultrasonic measurement device. The instrument automatically emits ultrasonic signals and processes reflected signals to determine the entry point, combining the measurement and surgical functions in one tool. This maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision compared to manual palpation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring ultrasonic signal reflections as the surgical instrument approaches the bone surface. The processing device analyzes the reflected signals and provides immediate information about the proximity to the entry point, allowing the operator to precisely locate the bone surface with feedback guidance rather than relying on uncertain empirical palpation.
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
This system provides precise and safe real-time localization of the entry point and path of the surgical instrument, reducing the risk of tissue damage and radiation exposure, while being more efficient than existing ultrasonic techniques.
Implementation Method 1
emitting from the distal end of the body at least one ultrasound location signal adapted to propagate in the first anatomical structure and to be at least partially reflected at the interface between the first and second anatomical structures
Implementation Method 2
the first and second anatomical structures respectively having first and second acoustic impedances, the first acoustic impedance being greater than the second acoustic impedance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical system comprising a tool including: a body; a location measurement device adapted to emit an ultrasound location signal and receive a reflected location signal; a location processing device adapted to compare each of the echoes of the reflected location signal to a pre-determined location threshold, emit an information signal if no target location echo corresponding to the interface between first and second anatomical structures has been identified within an analysis time window, the target location echo having an amplitude that exceeds the location threshold.