3D Surgical Overlay for Mapping Concealed Anatomical Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical imaging systems are limited in their ability to recognize and convey critical anatomical structures and dimensions within a three-dimensional space, leading to uncertain decision-making and potential damage to vital structures during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical visualization system that incorporates spectral and structured light imaging, combined with distance sensors, to identify and map critical structures, providing real-time, augmented views of concealed anatomical features and their proximity to surgical tools, enabling precise surgical planning and execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional imaging systems are used to visualize the surgical site, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot recognize or convey concealed anatomical structures, physical contours, and dimensions within three-dimensional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealed anatomical structuresVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (spectral imaging, structured light imaging, and distance sensing) into a unified surgical visualization system. This merging of different imaging techniques allows the system to capture both surface and subsurface anatomical structures simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional visualization by integrating distance sensors and structured light imaging. This dimensional enhancement enables the system to convey depth, volume, and spatial relationships of anatomical structures, allowing clinicians to perceive concealed features within the three-dimensional surgical field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the surgical instrument parameters are manually adjusted during the procedure, then the system is easier to operate, but the surgical precision and safety are reduced due to inability to account for anatomical structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical safetyVSAvoidinstrument parameter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring anatomical structures and automatically adjusting surgical instrument parameters based on detected tissue properties and identified anatomical features. This closed-loop control enhances surgical safety by preventing damage to critical structures while reducing the burden of manual parameter adjustment on the surgeon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical system performs self-adjustment of instrument parameters by autonomously analyzing imaging data and modifying operational settings without requiring constant surgeon intervention. This self-service capability maintains surgical safety through continuous anatomical awareness while simplifying the operator's task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive anatomical mapping is performed to identify all critical structures, then surgical precision is improved, but the procedure time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical structure identificationVSAvoidsurgical procedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary anatomical mapping and identification of critical structures before the main surgical procedure begins. By pre-characterizing the surgical site anatomy using spectral and structured light imaging, the system prepares detailed maps that guide subsequent surgical actions, reducing the need for time-consuming intraoperative exploration and improving overall procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4239646B1Surgical system for overlaying surgical instrument data onto a virtual three dimensional construct of an organ
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ETHICON INC
  • EP4239646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239646B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A surgical system for use with a surgical instrument in a surgical procedure performed on an anatomical organ is disclosed. The surgical system comprises at least one imaging device and a control circuit configured to identify anatomical structures relevant to the surgical procedure from visualization data from the at least one imaging device, propose a surgical resection path for removing a portion of the anatomical organ by the surgical instrument, and present parameters of the surgical instrument in accordance with the surgical resection path. The surgical resection path is determined based on the anatomical structures.