Virtual Surgical Reference Indicia for Ophthalmic Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques face challenges in providing accurate and durable reference markings due to the limitations of pre-surgical markings on wet surfaces, internal structures, and micro-surgical processes, where markings can be dissolved, altered, or removed during preparation and surgery, leading to reduced accuracy and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of real-time, virtual surgical reference indicia generated using multidimensional visualization systems, such as TrueVision Systems, which allow for accurate alignment and locking of virtual markers within the surgical field, enabling precise guidance throughout the procedure, and allowing for adjustments and replacements as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-surgical reference markings are applied directly on patient tissues, then initial surgical guidance is provided, but the markings are dissolved, altered or removed during preparation and surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of reference markings that are overlaid onto real-time video images of the surgical field. Instead of applying physical markings directly to tissues that would be removed, the system captures pre-surgical markings, processes them into virtual indicia, and displays them as overlays on video feeds throughout surgery. This allows the reference information to persist and remain accurate without being affected by tissue preparation or fluid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a video imaging system and image processing intermediary between the surgeon and the reference markings. The system captures video of the surgical field, processes the pre-surgical markings into virtual overlays, and composites them with real-time video images. This intermediary layer preserves the reference information digitally while displaying it in context with the actual surgical field, avoiding the problem of physical markings being removed.
2Measurement precision
If pre-surgical measurements and markings are made before surgery, then initial surgical planning is enabled, but the markings have limited accuracy due to patient positioning changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pre-surgical markings into dynamic virtual overlays that are continuously updated and re-aligned with the moving surgical field. The system captures real-time video of the surgical field, processes the video images to locate anatomical landmarks, and dynamically repositions the virtual reference markings to match the current anatomical configuration. This allows the markings to adapt to patient positioning changes while maintaining their reference value throughout surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system continuously monitors the surgical field through video imaging, compares the actual anatomical position with the planned reference markings, and automatically adjusts the virtual overlay position accordingly. The system uses image processing to identify anatomical landmarks in real-time video and uses this feedback to re-align the virtual reference markings, ensuring they remain accurately positioned despite patient movement or positioning changes.
3Ease of operation
If reference markings are applied on wet surfaces such as the eye or mucous membranes, then surgical guidance is provided, but the markings are removed by washing and sterilization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of reference markings that are displayed as virtual overlays on video images rather than applying physical markings to wet or sensitive surfaces. The system captures pre-surgical reference information, processes it into virtual indicia, and displays these overlays on real-time video feeds. This eliminates the need to apply physical markings to the eye or mucous membranes, allowing surgical guidance to be provided without compromising the integrity of the tissue or the persistence of the markings.
4Measurement precision
If physical reference markings are used on internal structures, then surgical guidance is provided, but the markings cannot be effectively applied or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a video imaging and image processing intermediary to provide reference markings for internal structures that cannot be directly marked. The system captures video of the surgical field, processes the images to identify anatomical landmarks, and displays virtual reference overlays that correspond to the internal structures being operated on. This intermediary approach allows surgical reference information to be provided for internal structures without requiring direct physical marking of those structures, overcoming the limitation of inaccessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatus and associated methods for the generation of at least one user adjustable, accurate, real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium. A method includes recording an image of an eye and producing a real-time multidimensional visualization using the recorded image. The method also includes determining at least one distinct visible feature within a patient specific pre-operative still image and producing the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium in conjunction with the patient specific pre-operative still image. The method further includes aligning the real-time, virtual surgical reference indicium with the real-time, multidimensional visualization of the eye using the at least one distinct visible feature.