Endoscope Tracking via Tilt and Insertion Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in maintaining a stable field of view of treatment tools within the body cavity, as operators' hands are occupied, and assistants struggle to manually track the tools without obstructing the operator's view or losing sight due to bleeding or organ obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a guide component with tilt and insertion sensors, a switching device, and a system control unit that adjusts the endoscope's observation range based on the treatment tool's angle and insertion depth, ensuring the tool remains centered within the field of view, even if it moves outside the initial observation range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an assistant manually operates the endoscope to track treatment tools, then the field of view can be maintained, but the assistant may obstruct the operator's view or lose sight due to bleeding or organ obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope automatically tracks the treatment tool without requiring manual operation by an assistant. The system uses sensors to detect the tool's position and automatically adjusts the endoscope's view, allowing the treatment tool to essentially track itself through the system's automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of tracking by an assistant is replaced with an automated system using sensors (optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic) and control mechanisms. The sensor detects the treatment tool's position and the control unit automatically adjusts the endoscope, eliminating the need for manual mechanical tracking.
2Reliability
If the endoscope manually tracks treatment tools, then the tool position can be maintained in view, but the operator's hands are occupied with treatment tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is transferred to the treatment tool itself through automated detection. The tool's position is detected by sensors and automatically tracked by the endoscope control system, freeing the operator's hands to focus solely on treatment operations without needing to manually manage the endoscope view.
3Extent of automation
If marks are provided on treatment tools for automatic tracking, then the endoscope can automatically follow the tool, but the tools become more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is extracted from the treatment tool itself and placed in the external detection system. Instead of modifying the tool with marks or sensors, the system uses separate optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic sensors to detect the tool's position and automatically tracks it, simplifying the tool design while enabling automation.
4Ease of operation
If the observation range is fixed, then the system is simpler to operate, but the treatment tool may move outside the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The observation range is transformed from a fixed static parameter to a dynamic adjustable parameter. The system automatically adjusts the endoscope's observation range based on real-time detection of the treatment tool's position, ensuring the tool remains centered in the field of view while adapting to various operational conditions.
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
This system allows for reliable tracking and visualization of treatment tools, reducing the risk of losing sight during procedures, improving operational ease, and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for marked tools, while maintaining a clear view of internal organs.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor that, using the gravitational direction as a reference, detects an angle of inclination of the mantle tube that is inclined together with the treatment tool
Implementation Method 2
an insertion sensor that is provided in the mantle tube and detects an insertion amount of the treatment tool
Implementation Method 3
an observation device that has been introduced into the body cavity and that acquires images of an interior of the body cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment system includes a guide component that is used to insert a treatment tool into a body cavity, a tilt sensor that is provided in the guide component and detects an angle of inclination of the treatment tool that has been inserted inside the guide component, an insertion amount sensor that is provided in the guide component and detects an amount that the treatment tool has been inserted inside the guide component, a switching device that switches an observation range of images of an interior of the body cavity that are acquired by an observation device that has been introduced into the body cavity and are then displayed on a display unit, and a system control unit that drives the switching device based on information about the angle of inclination and insertion amount of the treatment tool.