Augmented Reality Surgical Vision System with Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic and robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgical techniques limit the dexterity and vision of surgeons, often requiring additional incisions for auxiliary views and risking accidental contact with delicate structures during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system overlays pre-operative imaging data onto real-time video feeds from surgical sites, creating safety zones and providing haptic feedback to prevent instrument collisions with critical structures, using a high-definition video camera, computer processing, and a controller to enhance surgical guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional laparoscopic techniques are used with small incisions, then patient trauma is reduced and recovery time is shortened, but surgeon vision and dexterity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays pre-operative imaging data (MRI, CT, ultrasound) onto the real-time 2D video feed, adding a third dimension of anatomical information to the flat video display. This allows surgeons to see through tissues and understand spatial relationships without making larger incisions for direct visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of augmented reality information between the surgeon and the surgical field. This virtual overlay acts as a mediator that provides additional anatomical context and spatial orientation without requiring physical changes to the surgical approach or larger incisions.
2Ease of operation
If additional incisions are made for auxiliary views, then surgeon vision of the surgical site is improved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system provides multiple viewing angles and anatomical perspectives through a single video feed by overlaying processed pre-operative images. The system can display different orientations and depths of anatomical structures simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple incisions to achieve different views.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating pre-operative imaging data that captures three-dimensional anatomical structures with the real-time video feed, the system provides auxiliary views and spatial context without requiring additional physical access points or incisions in the patient's body.
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic-assisted MIS systems are used, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates pre-operative imaging data with real-time video feedback to provide augmented anatomical information. This feedback loop allows surgeons to continuously compare the actual surgical field with the pre-planned anatomical landmarks, improving precision without requiring complex robotic manipulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic manipulation with an information-based augmentation system. Instead of using robotic arms to physically manipulate instruments with superhuman precision, the system uses processed imaging data to provide visual guidance that enhances human surgical precision.
4Reliability
If safety zones are created around delicate structures, then accidental contact is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded overlays to represent different anatomical structures and safety zones. Delicate structures are highlighted with distinct colors and visual indicators, allowing surgeons to quickly identify areas requiring caution without complex mechanical safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality overlay acts as an intermediary safety layer that provides visual warnings and anatomical context. Rather than using complex mechanical stoppers or physical barriers, the system uses processed imaging data to create virtual safety zones that guide surgeon behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving a surgeon's vision by overlaying augmented reality information onto a video image of the surgical site. A high definition video camera sends a video image in real time. Prior to the surgery, a pre-operative image is created from MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, or other method of diagnosis using imaging technology. The pre-operative image is stored within the computer. The computer processes the pre-operative image to decipher organs, anatomical geometries, vessels, tissue planes, orientation, and other structures. As the surgeon performs the surgery, the AR controller augments the real time video image with the processed pre-operative image and displays the augmented image on an interface to provide further guidance to the surgeon during the surgical procedure.