Video-Based Joint Distraction Guidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arthroscopic surgical procedures face challenges in accurately performing joint distraction, particularly in hip procedures, due to the need for significant experience and the risk of nerve injuries from excessive traction forces or prolonged times, which can occur in up to 7% of cases.
Innovation Solution
A smart, video-based surgical navigation and distractor/positioning system that provides on-screen, mixed reality guidance for precise joint distraction with sub-millimeter accuracy, using video-based navigation techniques to register three-dimensional bone models and provide real-time guidance during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional arthroscopic surgical procedures are performed without advanced navigation systems, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of joint distraction are insufficient leading to nerve injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation systems with a video-based optical navigation system. The system uses video cameras to capture images of the surgical site, processes these images to generate three-dimensional bone models, and provides visual guidance without requiring complex mechanical tracking infrastructure. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing mechanical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's bone anatomy by generating three-dimensional bone models from video images. This virtual model serves as a precise reference for planning and executing joint distraction, allowing surgeons to visualize and measure anatomical relationships without physically manipulating complex navigation hardware. The digital copy enables accurate measurement while simplifying the physical system.
2Manufacturing precision
If significant experience is required to perform joint distraction accurately, then the manufacturing precision of the surgical outcome can be high, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the steep learning curve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback by displaying video images with overlaid three-dimensional bone models and surgical guidance information. The system continuously monitors the surgical site and provides immediate visual confirmation of distractor positioning relative to the planned trajectory and safe zones. This feedback mechanism allows less experienced surgeons to achieve precise outcomes by relying on the system's real-time guidance rather than relying solely on their experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary planning by generating three-dimensional bone models and calculating safe distraction trajectories before the actual surgical procedure. The system pre-identifies safe zones and potential nerve locations, allowing surgeons to plan the distraction path in advance. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of intraoperative decision-making and improves ease of operation during the actual procedure.
3Productivity
If excessive traction forces or prolonged distraction times are applied, then the joint distraction effect is enhanced, but harmful factors increase leading to nerve injuries in up to 7% of cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-identifying and marking safe zones and potential nerve locations in the three-dimensional bone models before distraction begins. The system calculates and displays maximum safe distraction distances and forces based on the patient's specific anatomy. This advance preparation prevents excessive traction forces and prolonged distraction times by providing clear visual boundaries, thereby reducing nerve injury risk while maintaining distraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical force application with visual guidance and planning. Instead of relying on tactile feedback and mechanical estimation of appropriate distraction forces, the system uses video-based imaging and three-dimensional modeling to precisely determine and guide the application of traction forces. This substitution allows for more controlled and precise force application, reducing the risk of harmful effects while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor is configured to execute instructions stored in memory to provide guidance during a surgical procedure. Executing the instructions causes the processor to obtain an image of patient anatomy including at least a femur and a pelvis, segment the image into a pelvis portion and a femur portion, generate a pre-operative plan for the surgical procedure using the segmented image, including calculating, using the segmented image, a surgical area of interest between the pelvis portion and the femur portion and a minimum distance between the femur and the pelvis within the surgical area of interest, and generate and provide, via a display, visual guidance for performing distraction during the surgical procedure, the visual guidance being generated based on the minimum distance.