Endoscope Tool Energization Control via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope apparatuses lack a safe and efficient method to determine whether to energize treatment tools, such as knives or snares, during medical procedures, as they often risk sparking due to improper contact with conductive regions, leading to potential damage to the device or tissue.
Innovation Solution
A medical support device and method that uses a processor to analyze captured images from an endoscope to determine if the treatment tool is in a safe position by identifying the presence of conductive and insulating regions, and indicators, to permit or deny energization, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the treatment tool is energized without verifying its position, then the treatment can be performed, but sparks may occur causing damage to the device or tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual verification and mechanical positioning checks with an automated image processing system. The processor analyzes captured images to detect the treatment tool's position relative to the luminal organ, automatically determining whether energization is safe without requiring manual inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the treatment tool and the energization decision. The system uses captured images as an intermediary medium to verify tool position and provides permission or non-permission information that mediates the energization process, preventing direct unsafe energization.
2Measurement precision
If the treatment tool position is manually checked, then the positioning can be confirmed, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automatic position detection through real-time image capture and processing. Instead of intermittent manual checks that interrupt the procedure, the system continuously monitors tool position automatically, maintaining procedural flow while ensuring accurate position detection at all critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically analyzing images to detect the treatment tool and its position relative to the luminal organ. The processor independently determines whether the tool is in a safe position without requiring external manual verification, enabling the system to self-assess readiness for energization.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical support device includes a processor used for an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope that images a luminal organ and a treatment tool that is energized in a state of being in contact with a treatment target part included in the luminal organ to cut the treatment target part. The processor is configured to output permission and non-permission information indicating whether or not the energization is permitted. Whether or not the energization is permitted is determined on the basis of a captured image that has been obtained by imaging the luminal organ with the endoscope and that includes the treatment tool.