Endovascular Haptic Control for Precise Balloon Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for endovascular procedures primarily focus on imaging feedback, neglecting tactile feedback, which is crucial for precise control of surgical tools like indeflators, leading to inadequate pressure control during procedures such as balloon deployment and deflation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a moveable base with a drive unit and control unit that allows for remote control of a syringe plunger movement and rotational adjustments, coupled with haptic feedback through a human control unit, enhancing precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If robotic systems focus exclusively on imaging feedback, then imaging guidance is improved, but tactile feedback and pressure control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements haptic feedback by transmitting tactile sensations from the surgical tool (indeflator) back to the operator through a feedback mechanism. The force sensor detects forces applied during balloon inflation/deflation, and this information is conveyed to the operator via the control interface, restoring tactile awareness that was previously lost in automated robotic systems.
2Loss of information
If manual indeflator control is used, then tactile feedback is maintained, but precision and accuracy of pressure control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical control with an automated drive unit that uses a motorized plunger mechanism. The control unit processes input from the operator and precisely controls the plunger's linear movement, which in turn controls fluid pressure delivery to the balloon catheter. This substitution maintains tactile feedback while achieving superior precision through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a fluid transmission medium (fluid in the fluid line) as an intermediary between the plunger and the balloon catheter. This fluid transmission allows precise pressure control to be achieved through small plunger displacements, while the force sensor detects and transmits tactile feedback through the same fluid pathway, enabling both precision and tactile awareness.
3Measurement precision
If rotational movement of the indeflator handle is used, then pressure control is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional rotational mechanical handle with a linear plunger mechanism controlled by a motorized drive unit. The operator controls the plunger's linear position through a simplified interface, and the drive unit converts this linear input into precise rotational movements of the indeflator mechanism. This substitution maintains pressure control precision while reducing the operational complexity of rotating handles.
4Reliability
If remote control functionality is added, then operator safety and efficiency are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a control unit for processing inputs, a drive unit for mechanical actuation, a force sensor for detecting forces, and a haptic feedback unit for transmitting tactile sensations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making remote control functionality achievable without excessive complexity.
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
Improves the efficiency and accuracy of endovascular procedures by providing precise pressure control and reducing human error, allowing for remote operation and enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
As fluid is generally incompressible, each plunger movement in the linear direction significantly increases the pressure in the fluid line
Implementation Method 2
a haptic feedback unit communicatively couplable to the control unit and couplable to the moveable member
Data Source
AI summary
A human control unit for manipulating an apparatus for an endovascular procedure, the human control unit comprising: a housing; a control unit comprising a transceiver; a moveable member couplable to the housing and moveable by a user of the human control unit; and a haptic feedback unit communicatively couplable to the control unit and couplable to the moveable member; wherein, upon a movement of the moveable member, the transceiver is configured to provide a signal to the apparatus for altering a parameter of the apparatus, and wherein the haptic feedback unit is configured to provide haptic feedback via the moveable member to the user of the human control unit.