Articulation Indicator Lights for Endoscopic Surgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack intuitive and efficient mechanisms for articulation control that allow surgeons to maintain focus on the surgical site while adjusting the angle of the end effector, complicating the repositioning process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an articulation joint with an electric motor and control system that allows for intuitive articulation control through switches and actuators, including a rocker switch, joystick, and capacitive surfaces, which provide real-time feedback and orientation detection to facilitate precise manipulation of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If articulation angle indication is placed on the handle, then the surgeon can see feedback on articulation angle, but the surgeon's eyes are drawn away from the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation angle indication is projected from the handle onto the shaft or end effector, effectively moving the display from one spatial dimension (handle) to another dimension (shaft/end effector area) that is visible in the surgeon's field of view. This dimensional relocation allows the feedback to appear near the surgical site without physically placing components there.
Solution Approach 2:
A light projector or display mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle's control system and the visual field. The projector takes the articulation angle data from the handle and projects it onto a surface near the surgical site, serving as a mediator that delivers information without requiring the surgeon to look at the handle.
2Measurement precision
If articulation controls are made intuitive and adaptive, then articulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates sensors that detect the instrument's orientation and articulation state, providing real-time feedback to the control algorithm. This feedback loop allows the system to adaptively adjust articulation controls based on the current configuration, improving precision without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes parameters such as articulation range limits, motor torque, and control sensitivity based on the detected instrument orientation. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the system achieves high articulation precision across different positions without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each orientation.
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 surgeons to articulate the end effector with ease and precision, maintaining focus on the surgical site by providing intuitive controls that adapt to the instrument's orientation, enhancing surgical efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensor and a shaft comprising magnetic elements detectable by the orientation sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft is disclosed. The end effector and/or shaft comprise indicator lights which indicate the direction in which the end effector is being articulated. The indicator lights are positioned such that they are visible to a clinician via an endoscope monitor during an endoscopic procedure.