Releasable Detector Mounting for Surgical Instrument Radioguidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery faces challenges in maneuverability and efficiency during radioguided procedures due to the limited mobility of rigid gamma probes, especially when identifying low-activity lesions near high-activity backgrounds, and the need for frequent insertion and removal of probes in a slippery soft-tissue environment.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device for a detector that can be releasably secured to a surgical instrument, allowing for adjustable positioning without compromising the instrument's functionality, and enabling the detector to be used externally or internally within the body via a trocar, with features like a recess for the detector and a coupling mechanism for secure attachment, facilitating both detection and normal surgical tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid laparoscopic gamma probe is used for radioguided surgery, then the probe can detect radioactive emissions from target tissue, but the limited manoeuvrability of the probe restricts identification of lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detector from the surgical instrument, allowing the detector to be a flexible, tethered probe while the surgical instrument remains rigid and controllable. This segmentation enables independent optimization of detection capabilities and surgical maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the detector, automatically positioning the detector based on surgical feedback and pre-planned trajectories, thereby eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the rigid probe.
2Measurement precision
If the surgeon picks up and puts down the gamma probe multiple times during surgery, then radioactive lesions can be identified, but the overall length of the surgical procedure significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector remains continuously positioned within the abdominal cavity throughout the surgical procedure, eliminating repeated insertion and removal cycles. The robotic system continuously monitors radioactive emissions while the surgeon performs surgical tasks, maintaining uninterrupted detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system autonomously positions and repositions the detector based on real-time surgical feedback and pre-planned trajectories, without requiring the surgeon to manually intervene for detector manipulation, thereby saving procedural time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the detector is integrated directly onto the surgical instrument, then the instrument can perform both detection and surgical tasks, but the shape of the detector must be configured to match the instrument which may compromise detector operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection and surgical functions into separate components: a dedicated detector with its own optimized geometry and a separate surgical instrument. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument serves multiple functions: it performs surgical tasks and also acts as a mounting platform for the detector. The detector itself is universal, being able to detect radioactive emissions regardless of the specific surgical instrument it is attached to, thanks to its separate mounting means.
4Device complexity
If the same surgical instrument is used for both detection and surgery, then device complexity is reduced, but the likelihood of cross contamination and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector mounting means is configured as a disposable component that is attached to the surgical instrument and then discarded after the procedure. This eliminates the need to sterilize and reuse the detector mounting interface, thereby preventing cross-contamination while maintaining simple device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is extracted from the surgical instrument as a separate, removable component with its own mounting means. This separation allows the detector to be easily removed and disposed of after a single use, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination at the detector-instrument interface.
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
This solution enhances the autonomy and maneuverability of radioguidance, reduces procedural time, minimizes cross-contamination risks, and ensures precise identification of radioactive lesions without hindering the surgical instrument's functionality, while allowing for disposable components to manage infection control.
Implementation Method 1
detector configured for detecting radioactive emissions from subject tissue which has absorbed a radioactive tracer
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for releasably coupling a detector to a surgical instrument of the type comprising first and second jaws displaceably mounted with respect to each other, each jaw comprising a grasping surface for grasping subject tissue in a grasping region defined between the jaws, comprises: detector mounting means configured for releasable mounting and retention of a detector; and coupling means configured for releasably coupling the detector mounting means to a jaw of the surgical instrument to position the detector mounting means outside the grasping region.