Arthroscopic Cannula With Integrated Camera and LED
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic surgical procedures face challenges in visualizing the anatomy of joints like the hip and shoulder due to limited vantage points, requiring additional incisions for arthroscope portals and lacking integrated imaging capabilities within cannulas.
Innovation Solution
Development of an arthroscopic cannula with an integrated camera chip and LED light source at the distal tip, allowing for direct visualization without a separate arthroscope, and optionally featuring articulation for varied viewing angles. Additionally, multiple cannulas can be used to provide panoramic views and an infrared camera for temperature monitoring and bleeding detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate arthroscope is used for visualization, then imaging capability is provided, but additional incisions are required and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization function (camera) and illumination function (LED) directly into the cannula structure. The camera is positioned at the distal tip of the cannula, allowing the same access point to serve both therapeutic instrument passage and imaging purposes, eliminating the need for separate arthroscope portals
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is designed to perform multiple functions: serving as an access port for therapeutic instruments, providing illumination via integrated LED, capturing images via integrated camera, and enabling visualization of the surgical site. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices and incisions needed
2Loss of information
If the distal tip is articulated for varied viewing angles, then visualization coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip of the cannula is made articulating or flexible, allowing it to be bent or rotated to different angles during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables the integrated camera to capture images from multiple perspectives without requiring multiple fixed-position cameras or complex mechanical mounting structures
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If infrared camera is added for temperature monitoring, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula system is enhanced by adding an infrared camera capability to the existing integrated camera system. This allows the same access point and basic structure to provide both visible light imaging and infrared thermal imaging, enabling temperature monitoring of tissues and instruments without requiring separate monitoring devices
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
This solution enhances visualization during arthroscopic surgeries, reduces the need for additional incisions, improves real-time feedback for surgeons, and provides early detection of bleeding and overheating, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing surgical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an arthroscopic cannula with an integrated camera(s) chip and LED light source(s)
Implementation Method 2
an arthroscopic cannula with an integrated infrared (IR) camera chip that can be configured to monitor temperature and detect bleeding
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula configured to provide an access port to a patient for an arthroscopic or laparoscopic device, optionally comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the elongate shaft includes, one or more lumens therein including at least one lumen configured to provide a working channel for the arthroscopic or laparoscopic device to pass through the distal end portion; a visualization assembly including one or more cameras, the visualization assembly coupled to the elongate shaft and having pathway for optical and electrical connection to the one or more cameras with the pathway formed along at least a portion of the elongate shaft.