Extended Reality Visualization for Surgical Navigation Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical navigation systems face usability issues due to misunderstandings about the expected next steps, leading to increased X-ray exposure and procedural time, as the surgeon or technician may not correctly interpret the system's instructions for C-arm positioning.
Innovation Solution
An extended reality device tracks objects and processes tracking data to visualize additional information, generating simulated X-ray projection images, allowing for validation and training by comparing spatial relations and providing guidance through the interpretation of these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the CAS system displays detailed instructions for C-arm positioning, then the system provides comprehensive guidance, but this may cause misunderstanding and increase procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual C-arm positioning with an automated robotic system. The robotic C-arm can be automatically positioned based on navigation system calculations, eliminating the need for manual interpretation and adjustment by surgical staff. This substitution reduces procedural time while maintaining accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an extended reality (XR) system as an intermediary between the navigation system and the surgical staff. The XR system provides immersive, three-dimensional visualization of the surgical field and C-arm positioning requirements, making the information more intuitive and easier to understand without increasing procedural complexity.
2Reliability
If manual C-arm repositioning is performed to acquire desired X-ray images, then the system can obtain necessary imaging data, but this results in increased X-ray exposure and procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual C-arm repositioning with automated robotic positioning. The robotic system can precisely position the C-arm based on pre-calculated trajectories and navigation data, reducing the number of trial-and-error positioning attempts and thereby reducing cumulative X-ray exposure to both patients and surgical staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary planning and calculation of C-arm positioning trajectories before the actual surgical procedure. By pre-determining the optimal paths and positions for C-arm movement, the system minimizes the number of X-ray exposures needed during the procedure itself, as the robotic system can follow these pre-planned trajectories with high accuracy.
3Loss of information
If the CAS system provides detailed positioning instructions, then the system offers comprehensive guidance, but the surgical staff may still misunderstand the expected next steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex textual and graphical instructions with an extended reality (XR) immersive interface. The XR system overlays three-dimensional visualizations directly in the surgical staff's field of view, showing the exact position and orientation the C-arm should achieve. This intuitive visual guidance eliminates the need for staff to interpret complex two-dimensional diagrams or textual instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display interfaces to three-dimensional extended reality visualization. By presenting positioning information in three dimensions that match the physical surgical environment, the system makes the expected next steps immediately apparent and intuitive, eliminating misunderstandings that arise from interpreting flat, abstract representations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are suggested utilizing an extended reality device as well as a processing unit for executing a computer program product. By means of the extended reality device, objects in a room can be tracked and based on processing of tracking data related to those objects and based on processing of simulated X-ray image data, additional information can be visualized in the field of view of the user. Such systems and methods are adapted to be utilized for training and testing purposes.