Endoscope Data Relay via Light Cable for Surgical Device Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgeons face inefficiencies in adjusting settings for multiple devices during endoscopic surgery, as current methods require individual adjustments for each device, lacking a streamlined approach to optimize device functions based on endoscope data.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic system that includes an endoscope with saved information, a light source console, and a light cable that communicates this information wirelessly to alter functions of the light source console and auxiliary devices, ensuring optimized settings and preventing fogging at the distal window of the endoscope.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual adjustments are made for each device setting manually, then device functions can be customized, but the time and complexity of setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device adjustmentVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope automatically transmits its identification information to the light source console without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures by receiving the endoscope ID and automatically adjusting settings, eliminating the need for surgeons to manually adjust each device setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the endoscope provides information about its identity and characteristics to the light source console, which then uses this feedback to automatically configure appropriate settings. This closed-loop communication enables automatic adaptation to different endoscopes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If multiple devices are individually configured, then optimal settings can be achieved, but the complexity of the operating room setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice optimizationVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the configuration function into a single automated process handled by the light source console. Instead of separately configuring multiple devices, the system merges the setup operation into one action: the endoscope transmits its ID, and the console automatically configures all necessary settings for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source console is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple endoscope types. It can receive and process identification information from various endoscope models and automatically adapt its settings, making the console capable of working with different devices without requiring device-specific manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual adjustment of each device is performed, then precise control is possible, but the productivity of the surgical team decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical efficiencyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope performs preliminary action by automatically transmitting its identification information to the light source console before the surgical procedure begins. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during setup, allowing the surgical team to proceed more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3378375A1System for altering functions of at least one surgical device dependent upon information saved in an endoscope related to the endoscope
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 STRYKER CORP
  • EP3378375A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378375A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3378375A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An endoscopic system including an endoscope (1022) having saved information therein (3000) related to the endoscope, a light source console (1028) for providing light to the endoscope, and a light cable (1046) connected between the endoscope and the light source console. The light cable is configured to communicate the light from the light source console to the endoscope. The information related to the endoscope is relayed from the endoscope to the light source console through the light cable for altering functions of at least one of the light source console and an auxiliary device (1050, 1052, 1054, 1075).