Co-manipulation Surgical System with Removable Instrument Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgical systems face challenges in managing vision and access, with complex robot-assisted systems being expensive, space-consuming, and requiring unique instruments, while manual solutions are impractical and require extensive manual interaction.
Innovation Solution
A co-manipulation surgical system with a robot arm and coupler interface that allows for removable coupling of surgical instruments, enabling seamless positioning and manipulation through a coupler body that transitions between open and closed states, allowing rotational movement while inhibiting longitudinal movement, and includes features like a switch, clamp, and magnetic holder for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex robot-assisted systems are used, then surgical precision and automation are improved, but system cost, footprint, and instrument compatibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential robotic assistance function from complex multi-component systems into a single integrated support arm that provides automated positioning while maintaining simplicity. The support arm is designed as a standalone unit with integrated actuation, removing the need for complex robotic manipulators and control systems while retaining automated surgical assistance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is designed with universal compatibility to work with standard surgical instruments rather than requiring proprietary tools. The coupling mechanism can accommodate various instrument types, and the arm provides multiple functions including positioning, stabilization, and automated manipulation, replacing multiple specialized robotic systems with a single multi-functional device.
2Device complexity
If manual solutions are used, then system simplicity is improved, but ease of operation and surgical efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm transitions from a static manual positioning system to a dynamic automated system that can adjust its position and orientation automatically during surgery. The integrated actuation system allows the arm to move and reposition itself without requiring continuous manual intervention, while the simple coupling mechanism maintains ease of instrument attachment and detachment.
3Length of moving object
If rail-mounted retractors are used, then positioning capability is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency are worsened due to extensive manual interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm incorporates self-service capabilities through integrated sensors and actuators that allow it to automatically adjust its position and maintain optimal orientation during surgery. The system can sense its own position and make corrective movements without external intervention, eliminating the need for manual unlocking, repositioning, and locking operations required by traditional rail-mounted systems.
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
Facilitates efficient and practical laparoscopic surgery by allowing standard instruments to be used, reducing the need for complex systems and manual intervention, while ensuring secure and sterile attachment of surgical tools.
Implementation Method 1
The holder may include a magnet, such that the repulsion magnet applies a magnetic force to the magnet to thereby cause the holder to be biased in the direction toward the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
Co-manipulation robotic systems are described herein that may be used for assisting with laparoscopic surgical procedures. The co-manipulation robotic systems allow a surgeon to use commercially-available surgical tools while providing benefits associated with surgical robotics. Advantageously, the surgical tools may be seamlessly coupled to the robot arms using a disposable coupler while the reusable portions of the robot arm remain in a sterile drape. Further, the co-manipulation robotic system may operate in multiple modes to enhance usability and safety, while allowing the surgeon to position the instrument directly with the instrument handle and further maintain the desired position of the instrument using the robot arm.