Cooperative Intraluminal-Extraluminal Scopes for Merged Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging systems struggle to recognize and convey critical anatomical structures, dimensions, and distances intraoperatively, leading to incomplete views and inhibited decision-making by medical practitioners.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system incorporating a first and second scope device configured to transmit image data from extraluminal and intraluminal spaces, with a controller merging these images to provide a comprehensive view, and a distance sensor system to determine the proximity of surgical tools to critical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-lumen catheter is used for both sensing and therapy delivery, then device simplicity is improved, but functional interference and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen for sensing, second lumen for therapy delivery) to separate functions that were previously performed in a single lumen. This segmentation eliminates functional interference between sensing and therapy delivery while maintaining overall device simplicity through integrated catheter structure.
2Reliability
If intraluminal and extraluminal instruments are used cooperatively, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and coordination difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The intraluminal and extraluminal instruments are merged into a coordinated system where the extraluminal instrument provides structural support and positioning while the intraluminal instrument performs the therapeutic function. The systems are combined through mechanical coupling and synchronized actuation mechanisms that allow cooperative operation without requiring separate complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft and actuation mechanism serve as intermediaries between the extraluminal support structure and the intraluminal therapeutic instrument. The drive shaft transmits mechanical motion from the extraluminal region to advance and position the intraluminal instrument within the body lumen, enabling coordinated operation without direct complex coupling.
3Strength
If rigid support structures are used for extraluminal instruments, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and navigation capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure employs different mechanical properties in different regions: the extraluminal portion uses rigid materials and structures for stability and support, while the intraluminal portion uses flexible materials to navigate body lumens. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows each region to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The intraluminal flexible instrument is nested within or alongside the extraluminal rigid support structure. The drive shaft and actuation mechanisms are housed within the catheter body, allowing the flexible intraluminal portion to move and navigate while being supported and positioned by the rigid extraluminal structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Surgical systems are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical system includes a first scope device having a first portion within an extraluminal space and a second portion positioned within an intraluminal space. The first scope device transmits image data of a first scene. A second scope device is disposed within the extraluminal space and transmits image data of a second scene. The first portion of the first instrument is present within the field of view of the second scope device to track the first scope device relative to the second scope device. A controller receives the transmitted image data of the first and second scenes, to determine a relative distance from the first scope device to the second scope device within the extraluminal space, and to provide a merged image. At least one of the first and second scope device in the merged image is a representative depiction thereof.