Universal Surgical Adapter for Navigation Tracking Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical centers face challenges in using instruments from different manufacturers with optical navigation systems due to compatibility issues with navigation tracking arrays, requiring secure and repeatable affixation to ensure accurate navigation.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter that couples navigation tracking arrays from various providers to instruments from multiple implant manufacturers, featuring a drive shaft with a tracking device holder that securely attaches and rotates the tracking array, allowing compatibility with multiple navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical center uses a navigation system from one manufacturer, then the navigation tracking can be maintained, but instruments from other manufacturers cannot be used with that navigation system
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate tracking arrays from multiple navigation system manufacturers (Medtronic, Brainlab, Zimmer) and interface with instruments from various implant manufacturers (DePuy, Stryker, Zimmer, Medtronic). This multi-functional design allows a single adapter to work across different navigation systems and instrument types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between navigation system tracking arrays and surgical instruments. It provides a standardized interface mechanism that translates between different navigation system protocols and instrument interfaces, enabling compatibility without requiring direct integration between navigation systems and all possible instruments.
2Reliability
If navigation tracking arrays are securely affixed to instruments, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but the attachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the navigation tracking array, a drive shaft that connects to the surgical instrument, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The tracking array attachment interface is separated from the instrument connection interface, enabling independent optimization of each connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that reduce the complexity of the attachment process. The tracking array automatically aligns with the adapter body upon insertion, and the locking mechanism engages automatically or with minimal manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple fastening steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom adapters are designed for each instrument-navigation system combination, then precise compatibility is achieved, but the number of adapters required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with universal interfaces that can work with multiple navigation systems (Medtronic, Brainlab, Zimmer) and multiple instrument manufacturers (DePuy, Stryker, Zimmer, Medtronic). The standardized body portion, drive shaft, and locking mechanism create a platform that can accommodate various tracking array and instrument combinations without requiring custom-designed adapters for each pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates dynamic elements such as the rotatable drive shaft and adjustable locking mechanism that allow it to adapt to different instrument and tracking array configurations. This dynamic capability enables a single static adapter design to serve multiple functions across different instrument-navigation system combinations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A device or system to adapt navigation trackers from various manufacturers to a variety of instruments to be navigated during a surgical procedure is disclosed. An adapter for coupling a navigation tracking array to an instrument including a drive shaft and a tracking device holder. The drive shaft can include a handle interface, an instrument connection, and an intermediate section including a circular locking groove extends proximally from a positioning flange. The tracking device holder can be configured to secure a navigation tracking array to the drive shaft and include an elongated body and a locking button. The elongated body can include an inner bore extending along a longitudinal length of the elongated body and adapted to receive the intermediate section of the drive shaft. The locking button can retain the tracking device holder along the drive shaft while allowing for rotation about the longitudinal axis.