Angular Rotation Guidance Device for Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guidance devices for surgical instruments, such as guidewires and catheters, face challenges in determining the angular orientation within the body due to 2D fluoroscopic imaging, leading to difficulties in steering and positioning, which can result in extended procedure times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
An angular rotation guidance device with a constant vertical reference and graduated markings that attaches to the surgical instrument, providing 360-degree rotational measurement to accurately determine and display the angular orientation of the instrument's distal end, using mechanisms like spirit levels and securing devices for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluoroscopic guidance is used to visualize surgical instruments, then the instrument can be seen under x-ray, but the angular orientation information is lost due to 2D projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the indicator with vertical reference and graduated markings) that transfers angular orientation information from the surgical instrument to a visible display. This intermediary allows the 3D orientation data to be communicated through the 2D fluoroscopic plane without losing the angular information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual changes in the indicator's appearance (position of vertical reference relative to graduated markings) to encode angular orientation information. The changing visual pattern of the indicator provides continuous angular information that can be interpreted on the 2D fluoroscopic display.
2Ease of operation
If the distal end of the guidewire is bent into a J-shape for steering, then the wire can be directed into desired lumens, but the angular orientation becomes difficult to determine when rotated away from perpendicular plane
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator attached to the guidewire serves as an intermediary that translates the 3D angular orientation of the J-shaped distal end into a 2D visual representation on the fluoroscopic screen. The vertical reference and graduated markings provide a readable scale that maintains angular information regardless of the wire's rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator is pre-calibrated with graduated markings that correspond to specific angular positions. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to directly read angular orientation without performing additional measurements or calculations during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If x-ray guidance is used to position catheters, then catheter location can be visualized, but extended procedure times result from difficulty in determining angular orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator provides immediate visual feedback about the catheter's angular orientation on the fluoroscopic display. This real-time feedback allows the operator to quickly adjust the catheter position without trial-and-error maneuvers, reducing the time required to achieve precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual pattern of the indicator changes with angular orientation, providing immediate information about the catheter's position. This visual encoding allows rapid assessment of orientation without requiring additional imaging or measurement steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise measurement and display of the angular rotation of surgical instruments, improving steering accuracy and reducing procedural complications by providing a clear indication of the instrument's orientation within the body.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator portion containing a constant vertical reference
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance device for determining the angular orientation of the distal end of a surgical instrument, comprising an indicator portion containing a constant vertical reference attached to a securing portion for attaching to the surgical instrument shaft. The guidance device has graduated markings upon it for indicating angle of surgical instrument rotation from the vertical reference.