Universal Interface for Interchangeable Medical Tracking Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical navigation systems require multiple adapters with different arrangements of passive reflective markers for tracking surgical instruments, which complicates sterilization and instrument familiarity, and lacks a standardized interface for interchangeable marker holders and bases.
Innovation Solution
A marker system with interchangeable tracking marker holders and fastener bases featuring a standard interface that allows different reference stars and fastener bases to be easily combined, with the option for markers to be removably or permanently attached, and the ability for instruments to have the interface integrally formed, eliminating the need for a separate fastener base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters with different arrangements of passive reflective markers are used for tracking surgical instruments, then instrument tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and sterilization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into two separable components: a reusable fastener base and interchangeable marker holders. The marker holder can be removed and replaced with different marker arrangements while keeping the same fastener base, simplifying sterilization and reducing complexity compared to completely different adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener base is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of marker holders with different marker arrangements. This single fastener base serves multiple tracking functions by simply changing the marker holder, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters.
2Measurement precision
If passive reflective markers are used on surgical instruments, then instrument tracking is enabled, but sterilization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sterile marker holder (with reflective markers) from the non-sterile fastener base. The marker holder can be removed and sterilized independently, while the fastener base remains reusable and does not require sterilization, simplifying the sterilization process compared to sterilizing entire adapters with complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker holder with reflective markers is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be sterilized between uses, while the expensive and complex fastener base is reused. This approach makes sterilization more manageable by isolating the sterilization requirement to only the smaller, simpler marker holder component.
3Measurement precision
If specially manufactured surgical instruments with integrated tracking markers are used, then tracking precision is improved, but instrument familiarity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the tracking function (marker holder with reflective markers) from the surgical instrument (fastener base). Surgeons can use familiar surgical instruments and simply attach the appropriate marker holder to the instrument's fastener base, maintaining instrument familiarity while enabling tracking precision without requiring specially manufactured instruments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized interface is implemented for interchangeable marker holders and fastener bases, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized interface design is created for both the fastener base and marker holder. This universal interface allows the same coupling mechanism to work with all marker holder types and fastener base types, simplifying manufacturing by using a single design pattern rather than multiple specialized interfaces, despite the increased number of components.
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 solution enhances flexibility and hygiene by allowing the best combination of marker and base for each application, simplifying sterilization and improving instrument tracking precision while maintaining familiarity with familiar surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
passive reflective markers that reflect light to one or more tracking cameras
Implementation Method 2
active emitters that emit electromagnetic, magnetic or acoustic signals to one or more tracking cameras or devices
Implementation Method 3
active emitters that emit electromagnetic, magnetic or acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
An improved marker system, components and method for use with a medical navigation system, wherein the marker system includes interchangeable tracking marker holders and fastener bases for attaching the marker holders to instruments or body parts that are to be tracked during a medical procedure. A reference star (the marker holder and tracking marker(s)) and fastener base are removably attached to one another. This enables different reference stars to be interchangeably attached to a given fastener base, or vice versa, thereby to provide the best combination of reference star and fastener base for a given application. This preferably is accomplished by a standard interface between the fastener base and the holder for the tracking markers, e.g., reflective markers. In addition, surgical instruments may have integrally formed therein the standard interface, thereby eliminating the need for a fastener base.