Elongated Instrument Simulation with Nested Sensing for Buckling Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical simulation systems for minimally invasive surgical procedures often provide unrealistic and inaccurate visual representations of instrument insertion, failing to account for factors like buckling and twisting due to the subject's anatomy and fluid viscosity, which are critical for training medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system comprising a sensing unit with gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compass sensors to measure the angular and longitudinal positions of an elongated instrument, coupled with a simulation computer that generates realistic medical images by applying adjustment and correction factors to simulate the actual insertion conditions, including torsion and buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional simulation systems are used to train medical professionals, then training can be provided, but the visual representation of instrument insertion is unrealistic and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sensing unit that fits inside the elongated instrument (catheter/guidewire). The sensing unit contains multiple sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, temperature sensor) nested within each other, allowing the entire sensing assembly to be inserted through the instrument's lumen or attached to its surface without adding significant external bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulation server as an intermediary component that receives raw sensor data from the sensing unit, processes it through mathematical models of subject anatomy (artery geometry, blood viscosity), and generates corrected visual representations. This intermediary layer separates the sensing function from the visualization function, allowing complex processing without increasing sensor complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thin surgical instruments are used for minimally invasive procedures, then patient trauma is reduced, but buckling and twisting of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the instrument's angular position, rotation angle, and orientation during insertion. This real-time data is fed to the simulation server, which calculates the actual instrument configuration considering buckling and twisting effects, and displays the corrected position to the user, enabling compensatory maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter measurement approach by not directly measuring instrument position, but rather measuring angular position, rotation angle, and orientation at multiple points along the instrument length, then using mathematical models to calculate the actual tip position accounting for buckling and twisting. This transforms the measurement problem into a computational problem.
3Measurement precision
If angular sensors are placed inside the apparatus to measure instrument position, then position detection is enabled, but the sensing unit may interfere with instrument flexibility and insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is designed to be inserted through the instrument's lumen or attached to its surface, with components nested within each other to minimize external profile. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass are housed in a compact configuration that does not significantly increase the instrument's diameter or affect its flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is encased in a flexible housing that can bend and deform with the instrument during insertion, maintaining sensor functionality while adapting to the instrument's flexibility requirements. The housing uses thin-walled construction that allows the sensing unit to conform to the instrument's shape without rigid constraints.
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
The system provides a realistic and comprehensive training environment for medical practitioners, enhancing their skills by accurately simulating the insertion of instruments, such as catheters or guidewires, into simulated body structures, thereby improving their technique before actual surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing unit comprises at least one gyroscope for determining the angular position or the rotation angle
Implementation Method 2
at least one accelerometer for determining the longitudinal position or the longitudinal displacement
Implementation Method 3
at least one magnetometer for determining the orientation of the proximal section
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for simulating an insertion of an elongated instrument into a subject, the method comprising: receiving one of an actual angular position and a rotation angle for a proximal section of the elongated instrument, at least a distal end of the elongated instrument being inserted into a medical apparatus; determining a distal angular position for the distal end of the elongated instrument inserted into the medical apparatus using an adjustment factor and the one of the actual angular position and the rotation angle for the proximal section of the elongated instrument; generating a medical image of at least a portion of the subject, the medical image comprising at least a representation of a distal section of the elongated instrument, the representation of the distal section being generated according to the distal angular position; and outputting the generated medical image.