Coordinated Endoscopic Instrument Control for Hidden Tissue Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical imaging systems struggle to recognize and convey concealed structures, physical contours, and dimensions within a three-dimensional space, limiting the information available to medical practitioners during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system comprising a first and second scope device, a tracking device, and a controller that coordinate the movement of surgical instruments based on relative distances and orientations determined by image data and tracking signals, enabling enhanced visualization and control of surgical tools to avoid critical structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control systems are used for different instruments, then each instrument can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases and coordination between instruments becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent instrument control capabilityVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate control systems into a single integrated control system that manages multiple instruments (mass spectrometer, HPLC, GC) through unified software and hardware architecture. This integration maintains independent control capability for each instrument while reducing overall system complexity through shared control logic and centralized coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal functionality to manage different types of instruments through standardized interfaces and protocols. A single control system can operate mass spectrometers, HPLC systems, GC systems, and other instruments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized control systems and reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

2Measurement precision

If data from multiple instruments is collected separately, then each instrument's data quality can be optimized, but data coordination and synchronization become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstrument data qualityVSAvoidData coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor data quality metrics from each instrument and adjust acquisition parameters in real-time. This ensures optimal data quality for each instrument while maintaining synchronization through centralized coordination that prevents data loss and ensures proper timing relationships between instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary coordination and synchronization of data acquisition parameters before actual measurement begins. Acquisition methods are pre-configured to establish proper timing, triggering, and data flow relationships between instruments, ensuring both optimal data quality and coordinated data collection without information loss during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If complex acquisition methods are used to coordinate multiple instruments, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComprehensive data collectionVSAvoidSystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements self-service functionality where the acquisition method automatically coordinates data collection across multiple instruments without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously manages timing, triggering, parameter adjustment, and data synchronization, achieving comprehensive data collection while maintaining ease of operation through automated coordination rather than complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4408330B1Coordinated instrument control systems
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • EP4408330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4408330B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4408330B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Surgical systems for operating endoscopically and laparoscopically are provided. The surgical system includes a first scope device configured to transmit image data of a first scene. A second scope device is configured to transmit image data of a second scene. A tracking device associated with the first or second scope device and configured to transmit a signal indicative of a location of the first or second scope device. A first surgical instrument is configured to interact with an internal side of a target tissue structure. A second surgical instrument is configured to interact an external side of the target tissue structure. A controller is configured to receive (i) the transmitted image data and transmitted signal (ii) to determine a first relative distance, a second relative distance, and a third relative distance. Relative movements of the instruments are coordinated based on the determined relative distances.