Variable-Geometry Articulating Drill for Precise Sternum Zigzag Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical cutting devices struggle to precisely cut the sternum in a pattern that maximizes stability and surface area contact for optimal bone healing, often leading to inaccuracies and deviations from the planned cutting path due to the lack of a definitive reference or anchoring multiplanar structure.
Innovation Solution
An articulating drill system with a hand-held portion and a drill portion, controlled by at least two linear actuators, equipped with a navigation system for real-time feedback and a drill guard to prevent cutting of unintended surfaces, allowing for precise cuts within ±1.0mm and ±1.0° deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If freehand cutting saws or drills are used to create zigzag patterns, then the operator has flexibility in cutting, but the cutting precision deteriorates due to vibrational deviations and inexact patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the freehand mechanical cutting system with a computer-controlled articulating drill system that uses navigation software and robotic actuators to execute precise zigzag cutting patterns, eliminating operator-induced vibrations and inexact patterns while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through navigation systems that monitor the drill position and orientation, comparing actual cutting path against the pre-programmed zigzag pattern and making automatic adjustments to maintain precision within ±1.0mm and ±1.0° deviations
2Loss of information
If tracking mechanisms with monitors are used to display device position, then the operator receives position information, but the operation complexity increases and miscuts are not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating drill system performs self-correction by automatically adjusting its position and orientation based on navigation feedback, eliminating the need for constant operator monitoring and manual corrections, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intelligent control system as an intermediary between the operator and the cutting mechanism, where the navigation software and actuators mediate the cutting process by automatically executing pre-programmed paths and correcting deviations, reducing the cognitive load on the operator
3Ease of manufacture
If arcuate cuts are made through the sternum, then the cut can be performed with existing devices, but the closure stability deteriorates due to lack of definitive reference or anchoring multiplanar structure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cutting path from traditional arcuate patterns to programmable zigzag patterns that create multiple planar surfaces and anchoring points, optimizing the balance between cut feasibility with existing devices and closure stability through enhanced multiplanar contact areas
4Adaptability or versatility
If the drill operator attempts to compensate for surface movement manually, then some adjustment can be made, but the cutting precision deteriorates due to inability to maintain exact pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system provides continuous real-time feedback on drill position and orientation relative to the pre-programmed zigzag pattern, enabling automatic compensation for surface movements through closed-loop control that maintains cutting precision within ±1.0mm and ±1.0° despite anatomical movement
Data Source
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AI summary
An articulating drill system is provided that includes a hand-held portion and a drill portion. At least two actuators are provided for controlling at least two axes of the drill portion. A navigation system is provided to control the at least two actuators. In some embodiments, a tool is provided with the drill portion and adapted to interact with patient tissue. The drill portion can be modified to include at least two rigid objects in communication with the actuators and attached to the drill portion. The system can be used to make any linear cut within a deviation of 1.0mm and 1.0?, or better in patient tissue.