Surgical tool monitoring system and methods of use

US9980738B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey S. Vipperman · Pittsburgh, US
• Carl Snyderman · Pittsburgh, US
• Timothy R. Ryan · Shorewood, US
• Paul Johnson · Bemidji, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2014
• Grant date: May 29, 2018
• Expiry date: May 23, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/08021
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for simultaneously monitoring the health of surgical drills and detecting proximity to critical structures during surgery is described herein. By using various sensors (e.g. microphones, accelerometers, temperature sensors, etc.), signals from the drill can be measured and analyzed. The processed signals can then be used to indicate the proximity of the drill bit to critical structures, such as the patient's brain, and identify drill health issues (e.g. worn bearings, misaligned rotational axis, etc.).