Tracking of Pedicle Screw Using Extenders and Lenticular Arrays | The George Washington University

Tracking of Pedicle Screw Using Extenders and Lenticular Arrays

Case ID: 023-033-Pless

Existing technologies in the field of spinal surgeries, such as manually bending spinal rods and using pedicle screws with assistive tools, present several drawbacks that hinder the efficiency and precision of surgical procedures. Surgeons currently face challenges in optimizing rod bends while avoiding restrictions on patient movement. The use of assistive devices limits the surgeon's field of vision, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the procedure. These complexities and time-consuming processes call for a solution to enhance surgical outcomes.

Researchers at GWU have developed a novel idea to revolutionize spinal surgeries that will not only eliminate the restrictions on the doctor's field of vision but also assist in achieving optimal rod bending. The idea involves attaching trackable markers to pedicle screws, which can be monitored in space using a computer vision camera. By mechanizing the bending process, the technology significantly reduces procedure time and minimizes human errors, leading to more efficient and cost-effective spinal surgical procedures.

 

Application:

  • Spinal rod and pedicle screw implant

Advantage

  • Cost effective method for performing spinal surgical procedures.
  • Reduces surgical procedure time and minimizes human errors.

 

 

Patent Information:

Title App Type Country Patent No. File Date Issued Date Patent Status
Systems, Devices, and Methods for Facilitating Spinal Correction and Fusion Surgery US Utility *United States of America   5/17/2023   Filed

For Information, Contact:

Michael Harpen
Licensing Manager
George Washington University
mharpen@gwu.edu

Inventors:

Eric Leuthardt
Robert Pless
Keywords: