Embedded-Sensor Cannula and Guide Insert for Tissue Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic surgical systems face challenges with ergonomic manipulation of cameras and surgical instruments, limited visibility due to camera obstructions, and difficulty in independently maneuvering surgical implements relative to image sensors, leading to potential tissue damage and increased surgical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cannula with embedded image sensors and a configurable guide insert that allows for independent manipulation of surgical instruments and improved visualization, enabling precise tissue targeting and resection by integrating sensors within the cannula structure and providing adjustable orientation for left or right-handed procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a mountable camera is used on the cannula, then visualization of target tissue is achieved, but ergonomic manipulation becomes cumbersome and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera directly into the cannula structure, merging the visualization function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate mountable cameras and reduces the number of parts, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the camera from being a separate mountable component and embeds it within the cannula itself. This extraction of the camera from its traditional external mounting position allows for more ergonomic manipulation and reduces surgical complexity.
2Loss of information
If a mountable camera is used on the cannula, then visualization of target tissue is achieved, but ergonomic manipulation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the camera with the cannula structure, the system becomes a unified tool that is easier to manipulate ergonomically. The integrated design eliminates the bulk and complexity of separate mounting mechanisms, allowing for smoother and more intuitive surgical manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are mounted to the cannula, then tissue manipulation capability is achieved, but independent maneuvering of instruments relative to image sensors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cannula into distinct functional zones: an imaging zone with the embedded camera and a manipulation zone where surgical instruments can be independently maneuvered. This segmentation allows instruments to move independently relative to the fixed image sensor, enabling precise tissue manipulation while maintaining clear visualization.
4Productivity
If conventional endoscopic systems are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but risk of adjacent tissue damage increases due to difficulty in maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded camera provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon, allowing for precise monitoring of instrument positions and tissue interactions. This feedback mechanism enables the surgeon to maneuver instruments with greater precision, reducing the risk of accidental damage to adjacent tissues while maintaining surgical efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device including a cannula having a base member at a proximal end, a sidewall connected to the base member, and a bore defined by the base member and sidewall. The cannula includes at least one sensor that may be embedded within any of the surfaces of the cannula, including the inner and outer surfaces of the tip portion, and the inner and outer surfaces of the sidewall extending from the base member. The sidewall of the cannula has an opening into the bore between axially-extending edges of the sidewall. A configurable guide insert includes an opening for insertion of an optical imagining assembly and a surgical instrument. The configurable guide insert may be permanently or detachably coupled to the base member and is positionable in a right orientation for a procedure in a patient's right side or in a left orientation for procedures in a patient's left side.