Universal Fiber-Optical RealShape Insert for Surgical Instrument Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking technologies for orthopedic instruments during surgical procedures, such as optical trackers and electromagnetic tracking, face limitations including the need for line-of-sight, large size, and inaccuracy due to metal objects, particularly for small and flexible instruments like Kirschner wires and Jamshidi needles, which are crucial in orthopedic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A universal Fiber-Optical RealShape (FORS) insert equipped with a FORS sensor that can be inserted into the lumen of surgical instruments for tracking, providing a small footprint and not requiring line-of-sight, and is retractable for use with different instruments, utilizing a protective sleeve for durability and reusability across various procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical trackers are used for tracking orthopedic instruments, then tracking capability is provided, but the trackers must remain in camera line-of-sight and are quite large requiring attachment at proximal end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical tracking systems with electromagnetic tracking. The electromagnetic tracker embedded in the instrument shaft eliminates the need for line-of-sight camera tracking, allowing the instrument to be tracked regardless of its position or orientation in the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic tracker is embedded within the lumen of the orthopedic instrument (such as a K-wire or Jamshidi needle), allowing the tracking device to be nested inside the instrument itself rather than attached externally at the proximal end.
2Measurement precision
If optical trackers are attached at proximal end of orthopedic instruments, then tracking is enabled, but this limits ability to track small and flexible instruments which lack sufficient stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic tracker is embedded within the lumen of the orthopedic instrument, allowing even small and flexible instruments like K-wires and Jamshidi needles to accommodate the tracking device without requiring external attachment or compromising instrument stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic tracker is designed with a flexible, thin-profile construction that can be embedded within the lumen of small and flexible orthopedic instruments without compromising their mechanical properties or ability to navigate curved paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic tracking with coils is used, then small size coils can be embedded in flexible instruments, but accuracy is impacted by metal objects in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic tracking parameters by using a broader frequency range and multiple frequencies for tracking. This approach makes the system less susceptible to interference from metal objects in the surgical field compared to traditional single-frequency electromagnetic tracking.
4Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for intraoperative imaging, then positioning verification is provided, but ionizing radiation is imparted to patient and doctor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic imaging with optical imaging of the instrument's external surface features. The system captures images of reflective markers or surface features on the instrument and uses computer vision algorithms to determine instrument position and orientation, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation.
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 flexible tracking of small orthopedic instruments, improving precision and reducing radiation exposure by providing a 3D visualization of instrument position and trajectory, overcoming the limitations of existing tracking methods.
Implementation Method 1
a FORS sensor including a proximal segment and a tracking segment... for generating sensing data indicative of a shape of a tracking segment
Data Source
AI summary
A universal FORS insert (20-22) for a plurality of different surgical instruments with each surgical instrument (50) including a lumen (51). Universal FORS insert (20-22) employs a FORS sensor (30) for generating sensing data indicative of a reconstructed shape of a tracking segment (30T) of FORS sensor (30). Universal FORS insert (20-22) further employs a protective sleeve (40) permanent encircling a portion or an entirety of tracking segment (30T) for inserting tracking segment (30T) into and retracting FORS insert (20-22) from within the lumen (51) of each surgical instrument (50). The plurality of surgical instruments may be a same version or different versions of a same instrument type of surgical instrument (e.g., same sized k-wires and/or different sized k-wires), or different instrument types of surgical instruments (e.g., a j-needle and an awl).