Endoscopic Video System Multi-Angled View for Tool Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional endoscopic video systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of endoscopic tools within a patient's cavity due to misalignment of the video image view, leading to potential damage to tools and injury to the patient during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic video system with a first and second imaging system providing a multi-angled view, including a light source, cameras, and a video control unit to display 'picture-in-picture' images, enhancing the visibility of both the cavity and the surgical tool's perspective, thereby improving accuracy and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single 2D video imaging system is used to view the cavity, then the system structure remains simple, but the surgeon cannot accurately determine the position of the endoscopic tool relative to objects in the cavity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidvideo imaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video imaging system is segmented into multiple independent imaging channels (first video imaging system, second video imaging system, etc.), each capturing images from different perspectives. This segmentation allows each camera to independently provide specific view information while collectively enabling accurate spatial positioning of surgical tools through multi-angle observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple video imaging systems are added to provide multi-angled views, then the position determination accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical procedure safetyVSAvoidnumber of imaging systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single 2D view to multiple 2D views that collectively provide three-dimensional spatial information. By adding temporal and spatial dimensions through sequential and simultaneous imaging from different angles, the system achieves comprehensive spatial awareness without requiring a single complex 3D imaging device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If the video monitor displays only the cavity view, then the display system remains simple, but the surgeon cannot simultaneously observe both the cavity and the tool position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool position visibilityVSAvoidvideo display complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple video signals from different imaging systems are merged and displayed simultaneously on a single video monitor. The display system combines the first video image showing the cavity with the second video image showing the surgical tool position, allowing the surgeon to observe both pieces of information concurrently without requiring multiple separate displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If a single viewing angle is used, then the imaging system remains simple, but the surgeon may accidentally place clips too close or too far from previously positioned clips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip placement precisionVSAvoidmulti-angled imaging system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon by displaying multiple video images that show both the current surgical tool position and previously positioned clips or objects. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to continuously monitor and adjust clip placement accuracy, preventing accidental misplacement while maintaining a relatively simple imaging architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The enhanced multi-angled view improves the accuracy and safety of medical procedures by providing simultaneous and adjustable images of the cavity and the surgical tool's position, reducing the risk of tool damage and patient injury.

Implementation Method 1

a light configured to illuminate the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first camera configured to capture first images of the illuminated cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture and conversion: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3086547B1Picture in picture clip applier video system
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 MICROLINE SURGICAL INC
  • EP3086547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3086547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3086547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a clip applier comprising a hand piece; a tool end assembly including a frame and a pair of jaws, wherein the tool end assembly extends from the hand piece in an axial direction, a rotatable shaft extending from the hand piece and surrounding the tool end assembly, wherein the pair of jaws are provided at a distal end of the rotatable shaft and configured to apply a clip around at least one object; and an imaging scope fixedly attached to the frame and extending in the axial direction along an interior space of the rotatable shaft.