End Effector Line Laser for Precise Needle Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needle insertion procedures lack accurate visualization of needle placement due to the radiolucency of metal marking devices, making it difficult for operators to predict and confirm correct insertion sites during interventional procedures.
Innovation Solution
An end effector equipped with a line laser system that includes two movable line laser apparatuses, which intersect to mark the needle insertion point on a patient's lesion, allowing for adjustable marking without interfering with CT imaging and enabling precise needle placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a metal marking device is used for needle insertion marking, then the marking function is provided, but radiolucency prevents visualization of the marking during CT imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical metal marking device with an optical system (laser). The laser apparatus emits light to create visual markings on the patient's skin, substituting the mechanical marking approach with an optical one that is visible during CT imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the marking device from metal (radiopaque) to light (optical). By using laser light instead of metal markers, the system achieves visibility during CT imaging while maintaining the marking function, effectively changing the material parameter from opaque to luminous.
2Device complexity
If a fixed marking device is used, then the structure is simple, but the marking position cannot be adjusted to different distances from the needle guide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable marking device that can be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The laser apparatus is mounted on a movable support that allows it to be positioned at different distances from the needle guide, enabling flexible marking positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If the marking device is positioned close to the needle guide, then the marking is accurate, but the marking cannot be placed at the optimal distance for the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support structure allows the laser marking device to be dynamically positioned at various distances from the needle guide along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain marking accuracy while providing the flexibility to position the marking at the optimal distance for different procedural requirements.
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 line laser system provides accurate and convenient marking of needle insertion points, reducing the risk of artifacts during CT imaging and enhancing the success rate of interventional procedures by ensuring precise needle placement.
Implementation Method 1
a line laser part comprising a first line laser apparatus installed inside of the main body on one side of the support part and emitting a first line laser beam shaped to form a line when intersecting a surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an end effector having a line laser mounted therein, comprising: a main body forming the body of an end effector; a support part installed in the main body and supporting needle guide apparatuses for guiding a needle; a line laser part installed on one side and the other side of the support part, and emitting line laser beams so as to mark a needle insertion point for inserting the needle into a lesion of a patient; and a guide part for guiding the line laser beams emitted from the line laser part so as to cross the line laser beams, wherein the line laser part emits the line laser beams via the guide part such that the needle insertion point is marked at a predetermined distance away from the needle guide apparatus.