Electrosurgical Generator Camera Instrument Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electrosurgical generators face challenges in providing a broader range of electrosurgical therapy signals through non-proprietary interfaces without relying on proprietary mechanisms for instrument identification, leading to potential human error and limited signal compatibility.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical generator equipped with a camera and image processor that detects the type of connected instrument using AI or ML, allowing for precise identification and control of electrosurgical signals, eliminating the need for proprietary interfaces by analyzing images and applying an instrument recognition algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proprietary interfaces with identification means are used, then instrument identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces proprietary mechanical/electrical identification interfaces with an optical system (camera-based image processing). The image processor captures images of the instrument and automatically identifies it through pattern recognition, eliminating the need for complex proprietary connection interfaces with embedded identification circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the instrument and processes this copy for identification purposes. The camera captures the instrument's appearance, and the image processor analyzes this visual representation to determine instrument type, replacing the need for direct electrical identification connections.
2Device complexity
If non-proprietary interfaces without identification means are used, then device complexity is reduced, but instrument identification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the missing identification means in non-proprietary interfaces with an optical sensing system. The camera and image processor work together to automatically capture and analyze instrument visual characteristics, compensating for the lack of built-in identification circuitry in simple interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument essentially identifies itself through its visual appearance. The camera captures the instrument's physical characteristics, and the image processor automatically recognizes the instrument type based on these visual features, making the identification process self-contained and eliminating the need for separate identification mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If manual instrument identification is required, then device complexity is reduced, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback through image processing. The camera continuously monitors the connected instrument, the image processor analyzes the visual data, and the system automatically adjusts settings based on the identified instrument type, eliminating manual intervention and associated human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification of the instrument without requiring user input. The image processing automatically detects instrument characteristics and configures appropriate parameters, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the reliability issues associated with manual identification.
4Reliability
If a limited variety of electrosurgical therapy signals is provided through non-proprietary interfaces, then safety is improved, but functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the available therapy signals based on the identified instrument type. Once the image processor identifies the instrument, the system automatically enables the appropriate signal varieties compatible with that specific instrument, providing both safety through appropriate limitations and versatility through instrument-specific signal options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different signal availability rules for different instrument types. Instead of a uniform limited signal set, the image processing enables localized customization where each instrument type receives the specific signal varieties appropriate for its capabilities, optimizing both safety and functionality for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical generator is provided, including: at least one interface for connecting an electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical generator; an electrosurgical signal generation unit for supplying an electrosurgical signal to an electrosurgical instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator; a processor configured to control the electrosurgical signal generation unit; and an instrument detection unit configured to detect the type of an electrosurgical instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator; wherein the instrument detection unit comprises a camera and an image processor, the camera being configured to acquire one or more images of an electrosurgical instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator, and the image processor being configured to analyse the one or more images to detect the type of the electrosurgical instrument; and wherein the processor is configured to control the electrosurgical signal generation unit depending on the detected type of the electrosurgical instrument.