Laparoscopic Endoscope Controller Using Rule-Based Movement Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic surgery interfaces, such as those using head-mounted sensors or voice-operated systems, provide limited feedback and require constant attention, diverting the surgeon's focus from the primary task and failing to indicate which instrument they are focused on, leading to complications in spatially repositioning the endoscope for optimal viewing.

Innovation Solution

A surgical controlling system that includes a surgical tool, location estimating means, movement detection means, and a controller with a database to determine allowed and restricted movements based on predefined rules, ensuring the endoscope is positioned correctly within the surgical environment, using rules like route, environmental, and proximity rules to prevent collisions and maintain a clear field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated assistants with directional interfaces are used to control endoscope movement, then the endoscope can be repositioned automatically, but the surgeon's focus is diverted from the primary surgical task

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated endoscope repositioningVSAvoidsurgeon's focus on primary task

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The automated assistant system monitors and controls endoscope movement autonomously based on surgical context, eliminating the need for surgeon intervention in directional control while maintaining surgical focus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through colored indicators showing the assistant's intended movement direction, allowing the surgeon to verify and approve movements without manual control, thus maintaining focus while ensuring automated repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If manual control by human assistants is used to shift endoscope placement, then the surgeon can maintain focus on the surgical procedure, but the endoscope positioning precision and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon's focus on primary taskVSAvoidendoscope positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control by human assistants with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to achieve precise endoscope positioning without requiring surgeon or assistant intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated assistant independently monitors surgical context, determines optimal endoscope positions, and executes movements without human intervention, providing both precision and allowing surgeon focus maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If voice-operated or head-mounted interfaces are used for automated assistant control, then endoscope repositioning can be initiated, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires constant surgeon attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscope repositioning capabilityVSAvoidinterface operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines when endoscope repositioning is needed based on surgical context monitoring, eliminating the need for voice commands or head movements to initiate movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback indicators that allow the surgeon to passively monitor and approve automated movements without active interface interaction, greatly simplifying operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If the automated assistant provides limited feedback on intended movements, then the system remains simple to operate, but the surgeon cannot verify the safety and appropriateness of endoscope repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidfeedback on intended movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses colored visual indicators (e.g., green for safe movements, yellow for caution, red for restricted movements) to communicate the assistant's intended actions and safety status to the surgeon in an intuitive and easily perceivable manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9757206B2Device and method for assisting laparoscopic surgery—rule based approach

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 ASENSUS SURGICAL EUROPE S.À.R L

AI summary

Surgical controlling systems and methods. A surgical controlling system includes: at least one surgical tool adapted to be inserted into a surgical environment of a human body for assisting a surgical procedure; at least one location estimating unit to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of at least one surgical tool at any given time t; and at least one movement detection unit in communication with a movement's database and with the location estimating means. The system also includes a controller having a processing unit in communication with a controller's database. The controller controls the spatial position of at least one surgical tool.