Telemetry trial for digital implant
Devices and methods for trial-fitting smart medical implants are disclosed. A trial fitting device for a smart implant includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft, and a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion. The trial fitting device further includes a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion.
1 . A trial fitting device for a smart implant, the device comprising:
a handle;
a shaft extending from the handle;
a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft;
a transmitter disposed in the head portion, the transmitter configured to transmit a test signal;
a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion; and
a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion.
2 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the head portion is shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a smart implant.
3 . The trial fitting device of claim 2 , wherein the head portion includes a visual cue of where a longitudinal rod would interface with the smart implant.
4 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the telemetry gauge is configured to indicate a depth of tissue that permits effective telemetry from a smart implant in the position and orientation of the head portion.
5 . The trial fitting device of claim 4 , wherein the telemetry gauge is configured to indicate a range of distances indicating a range of tissue depths that permit effective telemetry, the range of distances based on a parameter of the tissue.
6 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , further comprising a control configured to cause the transmitter to transmit the test signal.
7 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the test signal at one of at least two different strengths.
8 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the handle and the shaft share a longitudinal axis.
9 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises an ergonomic grip.
10 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the rotational indicator is etched into the handle.
11 . The trial fitting device of claim 1 , wherein the head portion is shaped and dimensioned to correspond with an interbody device.
12 . A method of trial-fitting an implant, the method comprising:
receiving a trial-fitting tool comprising:
a handle;
a shaft extending from the handle;
a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft, the head portion shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a smart implant;
a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion; and
a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion;
using the handle of the trial-fitting tool to:
position the head portion at a trial location for an implant; and
adjust, as needed, the position and orientation of the head portion to fit available space;
confirming, using the rotational indicator, that the head portion has a desired orientation;
confirming, using the telemetry gauge, that a point of incision is within the threshold distance from the head portion to the point of incision; and
installing the implant in place of the trial-fitting tool.
13 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising, in response to the head portion not fitting at the trial location, using a trial-fitting tool having a second head portion, the second head portion shaped and dimensioned to correspond with a second smart implant, to position the second head portion at the trial location.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein using the trial-fitting tool having the second head portion comprises replacing the head portion of the trial-fitting tool with the second head portion.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein:
the trial-fitting tool further comprises a transmitter disposed in the head portion and configured to transmit a test signal; and
the method further comprises, while the head portion is positioned at the trial location, causing the transmitter to transmit the test signal.
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein:
the method further comprises assessing attenuation characteristics of the tissue between the head portion and the telemetry gauge; and
confirming that the point of incision is within the threshold distance is based on the assessed attenuation characteristics.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein positioning the head portion at the trial location comprises positioning the head portion by a surgical navigation robot.
18 . A trial fitting device for a smart implant, the device comprising:
a handle;
a shaft extending from the handle;
a head portion attached to the shaft such that the head portion rotates with the shaft, wherein the head portion includes a visual cue of where a longitudinal rod would interface with the smart implant;
a rotational indicator disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the rotational indicator configured to indicate a rotational orientation of the head portion; and
a telemetry gauge disposed on the shaft and/or the handle, the telemetry gauge configured to indicate a threshold distance from the head portion.
19 . The trial fitting device of claim 18 , wherein the telemetry gauge is configured to indicate a depth of tissue that permits effective telemetry from a smart implant in the position and orientation of the head portion.
20 . The trial fitting device of claim 18 , wherein the rotational indicator is etched into the handle.