Ear Canal Visualization System for Otologic Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
During otologic procedures, such as tympanostomy tube placement, it is challenging for physicians to maintain a clear view of the target treatment area within the ear canal due to the obstruction caused by the insertion of medical instruments, leading to sub-optimal instrument positioning and increased procedure time.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system comprising a light source, sensor, and processor that captures and processes image data to provide a clear view of the target area on a display, allowing for improved visualization within the ear canal, even when instruments are inserted, using a guide device with integrated sensors and lights, or a separate stylus with imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a surgical microscope is used to provide visualization of the ear, then the physician can view the target treatment area, but the instrument access path overlaps or blocks the line of sight, restricting instrument operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the target treatment area and displays them on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the ear canal view. This allows the physician to see the target area through the monitor rather than requiring direct line-of-sight through the ear canal, eliminating the conflict between instrument access and visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and monitor system acts as an intermediary between the target treatment area and the physician's eyes. Instead of looking directly through the ear canal where instruments block the view, the physician views the captured images on the monitor, which serves as a mediator that provides unobstructed visualization.
2Loss of information
If the physician adjusts instrument placement to avoid view interference, then the line of sight is maintained, but the instrument positioning becomes sub-optimal and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing and displaying real-time images on a monitor, the system provides continuous visual feedback without requiring the physician to adjust instrument placement for viewing. The camera remains stationary while the monitor displays the target area, eliminating the time-consuming adjustments needed to maintain line-of-sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the camera angle and position independently of the surgical instruments. The camera can be repositioned to optimize the view of the target area without affecting instrument placement, enabling both optimal visualization and instrument operation simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If a conventional surgical microscope is used, then visualization is provided, but the physician must operate with incomplete view or sub-optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The camera captures a complete view of the target treatment area and displays it on the monitor, providing comprehensive visualization that is not limited by the narrow field of view of a surgical microscope. This complete visual information enables more accurate instrument placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from the two-dimensional constrained view through a microscope to a broader two-dimensional display on a monitor, effectively changing the dimensional perspective. This allows the physician to see the complete target area and make more accurate placement decisions.
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
Enables physicians to perform otologic procedures with enhanced visibility and precision, reducing the time required for procedures and improving the accuracy of instrument placement by providing a clear, real-time view of the target area without relying on direct line-of-sight observation.
Implementation Method 1
The light source can be configured to provide incident light to a target area
Implementation Method 2
the sensor can be configured to capture reflected light from the target area to generate image data based on the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for providing visualization inside an ear of a subject before, during, or after an otologic procedure. An apparatus (100) includes a light source (140), a sensor (130), a processor (152, 170), and a display (154, 172, 972). The light source (140) can be configured to provide incident light to a target area (TM), and the sensor (130) can be configured to capture reflected light from the target area (TM) to generate image data based on the reflected light. The processor (152, 170) can process the image data to produce an image of the target area (TM), and the display (154, 172, 972) can display the image of the target area (TM).