Cannula Proximal Camera Prism Reduces Lumen Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive brain surgery techniques face challenges in achieving clear visualization and imaging of blood masses and surrounding surgical fields during hemorrhagic stroke procedures, which is crucial for effective removal of blood clots to prevent long-term brain injury.
Innovation Solution
A cannula device with a camera mounted on its proximal end, equipped with a prism or reflector to minimize obstruction, providing improved visualization and illumination of the surgical site, allowing for better imaging and instrument access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a camera is mounted on the proximal end of the cannula to visualize the surgical field, then visualization capability is improved, but the cannula lumen becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is repositioned from a distal mounting location to a proximal mounting location on the cannula. This spatial reconfiguration allows the camera to capture images of the surgical field through the cannula lumen without physically blocking the passage, as the camera body is positioned outside the lumen at the proximal end while still imaging through it.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical element (prism or reflector) is introduced as an intermediary component between the camera and the surgical field. This optical element redirects light paths to enable the proximal camera to visualize through the lumen while the optical element itself is positioned to minimize obstruction of the cannula passage.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is positioned to minimize lumen obstruction, then instrument access is improved, but the camera's view of the surgical field may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element (prism or reflector) serves as a mediator that redirects light from the surgical field to the camera sensor. This allows the camera to be positioned proximally with minimal lumen obstruction while still capturing comprehensive views of the distal surgical field through the redirected light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element changes the dimensional path of light transmission, redirecting light at angles to allow the camera to view the surgical field from a proximal position without requiring direct line-of-sight through the lumen, thus avoiding obstruction of instrument access.
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
Enhances visualization and imaging capabilities during minimally invasive brain surgery, facilitating precise removal of blood clots and reducing the risk of long-term brain injury by providing clear and unobstructed views of the surgical field.
Implementation Method 1
A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula with a proximally mounted camera provides visualization of the brain during minimally invasive surgery. The device comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen.