Proximally Mounted Cannula Camera Image Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as spine and brain surgery, face challenges in providing a clear and naturally oriented visual representation of the surgical space due to the obstruction caused by a proximally mounted camera, which can hinder the surgeon's ability to manipulate long surgical tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cannula system with a proximally mounted camera and optical elements like prisms or reflectors, combined with position sensors and an image control system, allows for real-time adjustment and rotation of the displayed image to maintain a preferred natural orientation, regardless of the camera's radial position, ensuring clear visualization of the surgical space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a camera is mounted proximally on the cannula to obtain images at the distal end, then visualization of the surgical space is improved, but the camera obstructs the lumen and hinders manipulation of long surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned in the proximal plane rather than extending into the distal working space, changing the spatial dimension of camera placement. This allows the camera to view through the lumen without physically blocking the path of surgical tools inserted through the cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical element (prism or reflector) is introduced as an intermediary between the camera and the surgical space. This optical element redirects light paths to provide the camera with a view of the distal end while minimizing physical obstruction to tool manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is rotated to make room for surgical tools, then tool manipulation is improved, but the image orientation becomes unnatural and disorienting for the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical rotation of the camera with an electronic/image processing solution. The image control system electronically rotates or transforms the captured image to maintain natural orientation without requiring physical camera rotation, thus preserving both tool access and correct spatial orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The image orientation is made dynamically adjustable through the image control system, which can rotate or transform images in real-time based on camera position and surgeon preference. This dynamic image processing allows the camera to be positioned for optimal tool access while the displayed image maintains natural orientation.
3Loss of information
If the camera is positioned to provide a natural orientation view, then image orientation is improved, but the camera may obstruct the path of long surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned in the proximal plane perpendicular to the tool insertion path, changing the spatial arrangement so that the camera views through the lumen without blocking the axial path of surgical tools. This dimensional separation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
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 perform minimally invasive surgeries with improved visualization and tool manipulation by maintaining a consistent, naturally oriented image of the surgical space, enhancing safety and precision during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula may be included to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula system with a proximally mounted camera assembly, sensors or sensor pair component(s), radially fixed to the camera assembly and an image control system operable to rotate image data obtained from the camera for display on a display screen, to maintain an image in an orientation preferred by a surgeon even as the camera assembly is rotated radially about the axis of the cannula.