Universal Tracking Array for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of tracking arrays with surgical instruments increases their cost and complexity, complicates cleaning, and is time-consuming to design and fabricate, due to the variety of instruments used in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A universal tracking array apparatus that includes a tracking array with fiducial markers, a first clamp body, and a second clamp body, allowing for removable attachment to instruments, with a fastener system and guide structures for adjustable positioning, enabling cost-effective and versatile tracking without altering the instrument's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiducial markers are affixed to each surgical instrument, then tracking capability is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking array is designed as a universal platform that can be attached to multiple different surgical instruments through a standardized clamp mechanism. This eliminates the need to integrate individual tracking markers into each instrument, allowing one multi-functional tracking array to serve various instruments including forceps, scissors, and retractors.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking array acts as an intermediary device between the surgical navigation system and the instruments. Rather than embedding markers directly into instruments, the tracking array provides the tracking functionality externally through fiducial markers, simplifying instrument manufacturing while maintaining tracking capability.
2Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are integrated into instruments, then tracking precision is improved, but cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking functionality is segmented from the surgical instrument into a separate, removable tracking array. This allows the instrument to be cleaned without the tracking components, while the tracking array can be cleaned separately or replaced, simplifying the cleaning process for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers and tracking array are extracted from the instrument body, allowing the instrument to be cleaned without concern for damaging or contaminating sensitive tracking components. The tracking array can be removed and cleaned separately or replaced between procedures.
3Reliability
If tracking arrays are attached to instruments, then surgical navigation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal tracking array design with standardized mounting capabilities can be used across multiple instrument types, reducing the overall system complexity compared to having custom tracking integration for each instrument. The standardized clamp mechanism provides a simple, repeatable attachment method.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking array serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the navigation system and various instruments. The standardized interface and mounting mechanism reduce complexity by providing a consistent method for attaching tracking functionality to different instrument types without modifying each instrument's design.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal tracking array apparatus that can be attached to various tools, e.g., surgical instruments, to enable the tools to be tracked, e.g., with a surgical navigation system. The apparatus includes first and second clamp bodies with a ratcheting mechanism to couple the bodies together and form a clamp to retain the instrument. The first clamp body also supports a tracking array, and can support the tracking array in a plurality of selectable positions.