Ear Canal Visualization With Rotating Endoscopic Imaging Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Otologic procedures face challenges in providing clear and consistent visualization of the ear canal due to instrument access overlapping the line of sight and susceptibility to patient motion, limiting the clinician's ability to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system with a speculum and imaging assembly that allows for rotational adjustment of the image orientation, ensuring a consistent view despite speculum rotation, and includes a speculum with an imaging lumen and working channel for instrument access, along with a control device for image processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical microscope is used to provide visualization of the ear, then the line-of-sight view to the target treatment area is improved, but the instrument access path overlaps or blocks the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D microscope view to a 3D endoscopic view by inserting the imaging assembly through the speculum into the ear canal, allowing simultaneous instrument access and visualization from within the treatment space rather than from outside
2Ease of operation
If the imaging assembly is rotated to improve instrument access, then the field of view is improved, but the image orientation becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation sensor detects the rotational position of the imaging assembly and provides feedback to the processor, which then rotates the image accordingly to maintain consistent orientation on the display regardless of the imaging assembly's rotational position
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the displayed image based on the rotational position of the imaging assembly, dynamically adjusting the image rotation angle to compensate for physical rotation and maintain consistent visual orientation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the speculum is rotated to accommodate instrument access, then the range of motion is improved, but the image becomes out of focus due to patient motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical microscope system with an electronic endoscopic system that uses digital image processing and software-based stabilization to maintain focus, eliminating the mechanical limitations and susceptibility to motion that plague traditional microscope systems
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Visualization during medical procedures is provided using a visualization system comprising: a control device defining an upper surface and a lower surface; a display visible through the upper surface of the control device; a handle coupled to the lower surface and extending away from the lower surface; a knob coupled to the control device, the knob configured to rotate about a rotational axis; an imaging assembly mechanically coupled to the knob and communicatively coupled to the control device, the imaging assembly configured to rotate around the rotational axis based on rotation of the knob; and the control device configured to display an image on the display, the image captured by the imaging assembly.