Endoscopic Navigation Pointer With Integrated 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for endoscopic procedures require surgeons to alternate between separate devices for visualization and navigation, leading to fatigue and inefficiency, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries where direct visualization is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A combined endoscopic navigation pointer (ENP) with integrated image sensors and tracking elements allows simultaneous visualization and navigation by providing a single instrument that captures intracorporeal images and determines its position in 3D space, integrating a geometric reference system to ensure precise navigation and visualization without the need for device switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for endoscopic visualization and navigation, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgeon must constantly switch between devices which increases operational complexity and causes fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate endoscopic visualization and navigation functions into a single integrated instrument. The endoscope includes both imaging components (camera, light source) and navigation components (tracking markers, geometric reference system) within one device, allowing simultaneous visualization and navigation without switching between separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic instrument is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides endoscopic visualization through integrated cameras and illumination, while also enabling navigation through integrated tracking markers and geometric reference systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If a rigid shaft is used to connect the handling portion to the distal tip, then precise navigation and stable geometric reference are achieved, but the instrument becomes less flexible for navigating complex anatomical pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the distal portion to bend and navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining the rigid connection between the geometric reference system and the distal tip for precise navigation.
3Measurement precision
If the geometric reference system is rigidly connected to the distal tip, then the position and orientation of the distal tip can be precisely determined, but the instrument cannot accommodate relative movement or adjustment between components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the geometric reference system and distal tip is designed to maintain a predetermined rigid pose for accurate navigation, while allowing controlled articulation or bending in the shaft segments to accommodate different procedural requirements and anatomical configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument can be used with a surgical assistance system, display method and storage medium. The instrument includes a handling portion, an end portion, a tip for examining tissue, and a shaft interconnecting the handling portion and the end portion. The handling portion includes a reference system having a predefined position relative to the tip, so that a position and/or orientation of the tip can be determined. A distal portion of the shaft and/or the end portion has a capture unit having a sensor for creating an intracorporeal capture in a capture direction and a lamp for illuminating the intracorporeal capture. The intracorporeal capture can be computer readable. The capture unit can have a capture position and/or orientation with respect to the reference system and/or the tip. The medical instrument has an interface adapted to transmit data to transmit the intracorporeal capture to a control unit.