Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and SAVFE Co. have jointly developed the "Medical Digital Arm Positioning System," a groundbreaking innovation that uses X-ray imaging to precisely position surgical instruments. This system eliminates the need for traditional optical tracking with reflective markers, achieving positioning accuracy within 1 millimeter. It reduces radiation exposure and enhances surgical efficiency, specifically designed for minimally invasive surgeries. Now in its pilot production phase, the system is set to be launched in Taiwan and the U.S. markets.
Minimally invasive surgeries, favored for their low risks and short recovery periods, have become the mainstream approach in modern medical procedures. However, one significant challenge is the precise positioning of surgical instruments. Due to the limited field of view through small surgical incisions, surgeons often rely on X-ray images for navigation. Traditional 2D X-ray imaging requires multiple angles to acquire 3D positioning data, which increases radiation exposure and extends surgery duration. To address these challenges, Professor Ming-Hong Chen of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and the SAVFE Co. team have developed the "Medical Digital Arm Positioning System." This innovative system overcomes traditional X-ray limitations, offering a safer and more efficient solution for minimally invasive surgeries.
High-Precision Digital Arm: Stable Positioning Without Optical Tracking
Conventional optical systems require attaching reflective markers to surgical instruments or within the patient’s body, which are tracked by cameras to achieve 3D positioning. However, these markers are prone to interference from obstructions or contamination during surgery, such as blood, which compromises accuracy and stability. The Medical Digital Arm Positioning System relies on X-ray imaging for positioning. When surgical instruments are connected to the digital arm, a single X-ray image is captured. The system calculates the relative position between the instrument and the target area in the patient based on specific imaging features. This eliminates the need for reflective markers and ensures precise positioning without being affected by obstructions or contamination.
Extensive laboratory testing has demonstrated the system's superior accuracy, with errors controlled within 1 millimeter compared to widely used optical navigation systems. This significantly improves surgical success rates and speeds up patient recovery. Additionally, the system reduces surgical time and minimizes the frequency of X-ray exposure, lowering the radiation risks for patients.
Targeting Global Markets: Advancing Medical Digitalization
Professor Ming-Hong Chen emphasized that this innovative technology is not only a breakthrough in the medical field but also a significant step forward in the digitalization of minimally invasive surgeries. The system was designed with surgeons’ practical needs in mind, aiming to reduce their workload during surgeries while enhancing operational convenience and safety. Its key advantages lie in its flexibility and precision, allowing accurate tracking of surgical instruments without additional devices, thus efficiently guiding surgical procedures.
SAVFE Co. CEO Hao-Kai Chou stated that the system has entered the pilot production phase and will be marketed in Taiwan and the U.S., both of which have substantial demand and potential. The company plans to refine the product, complete regulatory testing, and initiate mass production. This innovation aims to enhance surgical precision for doctors, reduce risks for patients, and drive the digital transformation of healthcare, ultimately contributing to the global advancement of the medical industry.
Resource: 數位手臂定位系統讓X光影像2D轉3D 微創手術無死角
