Patient-Specific Implants via VR-Guided 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for implanting anatomical structures, such as bones and tissues, face challenges due to internal gaps, irregularities, or misalignments, leading to labor-intensive adjustments and prolonged surgery times, which increase the risk of complications and strain on healthcare resources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to visualize and manipulate 3D models of anatomical structures, allowing for precise identification and adjustment of fracture sites and associated parameters, and generating patient-specific implants that are contoured to match the anatomical structure accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments and additional fixtures are used during surgical procedures to address mismatches or misalignments between anatomical structures and implants, then the fit and alignment of restorative devices can be achieved, but surgery time is extended and the risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preoperative planning and generates customized implants before the surgical procedure. The 3D model of the patient's anatomy is created in advance, and the implant is designed and manufactured to precisely match the patient's specific anatomical structure, eliminating the need for intraoperative adjustments and reducing surgery time
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's anatomical structure from medical imaging data. This virtual model is used to design and manufacture a physical implant that is an exact replica of the required fit, ensuring precise alignment without manual adjustments during surgery
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments and multiple iterations are performed during surgery to achieve correct fit and alignment, then the implant can be properly positioned, but the surgical procedure time is prolonged and healthcare resources are strained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive preoperative planning including creating 3D anatomical models, simulating implant placement, and optimizing positioning before surgery. This preliminary work ensures that the implant is ready for immediate placement with minimal to no adjustments needed, maximizing surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The customized implant is designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting to the patient's anatomy. The implant's geometry is specifically tailored to match the patient's unique anatomical features, allowing it to automatically position itself correctly upon placement without requiring multiple iterative adjustments by the surgeon
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive customization or intraoperative adjustments are made to implants to achieve proper positioning and fixation, then the implant can be adapted to the patient's anatomy, but implementation time increases and complications risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates implants with locally optimized geometry that matches the specific anatomical features of the patient's anatomy. Different regions of the implant are customized to fit specific anatomical landmarks and tissue characteristics, providing precise adaptation without requiring extensive intraoperative modifications that could compromise reliability
4Ease of manufacture
If 3D models represent only the external shape and dimensions of anatomical structures, then the models can be easily created from medical imaging data, but internal gaps, irregularities, or misalignments in connected tissues and bone structures are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D medical imaging data to 3D volumetric models of the anatomy. This dimensional transformation allows the model to capture internal structures, gaps, and irregularities that cannot be seen in 2D images, while still being generated automatically from standard medical imaging data without requiring additional complex imaging procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for generating patient-specific implants for anatomical structures of patients are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method that includes receiving image data of an anatomical structure of a patient, where the image data indicates a fracture site associated with the anatomical structure; receiving manipulation data associated with manipulation of one or more parameters associated with the fracture site in a virtual reality environment; visualizing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the anatomical structure based on the image data, the one or more parameters, and the manipulation data, where the 3D model is visualized in a 3D space; generating a set of instructions for a printer based on the 3D model, and controlling the printer for generating a 3D printed model of the anatomical structure based on the set of instructions. The 3D printed model is configured to receive an implant, such that the implant is contoured to match the fracture site.