System for determining proximity of a surgical tool to key anatomical features
US12201374B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0541
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Multi-component systems and methods for determining the proximity of surgical tools to key anatomical features are provided. The inventive systems and methods can be applied in any surgical procedure requiring precision to avoid damage to key anatomical features such as nerves, with a particular example being the robotic cochlear implantation minimally invasive approach to cochlear implantation. Use of purpose built surgical robots, electromyography and tissue impedance, stereotactic tracking and drilling force/bone density measurements are all key components, with inputs from these various modalities being dynamically weighted. In the example of robotic cochlear implantation, the inventive concepts are used to provide key surgical guidance so as to avoid damage to the facial nerve and the chorda tympani, among other anatomical features.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.