Surgical Foot Controller Shroud Layout for Safe Laser Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical foot controllers require unnecessary movement and distraction from the surgical site to switch between functions, particularly when integrating treadle-driven and laser control functionalities, leading to potential risks during delicate procedures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional foot controller with an integrated shroud and treadle system that allows intuitive switching between functions by positioning the laser control switch at the distal end of the base, which is shrouded by default and exposed upon upward rotational lift of the pedal surface, enabling safe and efficient operation without diverting attention from the procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate foot controller is provided for each surgical instrument, then each instrument can be controlled independently, but the operation environment becomes cluttered with control devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of control devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple foot controllers into a single integrated multi-functional foot controller that can control different surgical instruments including vitrectomy probes and therapeutic lasers. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate control devices, reducing clutter in the operation environment while maintaining independent control capability for each instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The foot controller is designed with universal functionality to control multiple types of surgical instruments through a single device. It includes both continuous variable control (treadle) and binary control (switches) capabilities, allowing one controller to serve multiple purposes across different surgical procedures and instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a movable shroud is incorporated into the heel-region of the base, then laser switch access is enabled, but the surgeon must divert focus to look down at the footswitch, leading to risky hand movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser switch accessibilityVSAvoidsurgical focus and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The laser switch is positioned in the distal end region of the base, which is a different spatial location compared to previous heel-region implementations. This dimensional repositioning allows the switch to be accessed by upward rotational movement of the pedal surface rather than by looking down, maintaining surgical focus while enabling safe switch access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The pedal surface acts as an intermediary mechanism that, when rotated upward, exposes the laser switch for activation. This intermediary movement allows the surgeon to access the switch without directly reaching down or diverting visual attention, maintaining the safety of continuous visual focus on the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the laser switch is positioned at the distal end of the base and shrouded by default, then accidental laser activation is prevented, but the switch must be exposed for intentional activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccidental laser activation riskVSAvoidswitch activation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud covering the laser switch is made dynamic through the pedal surface rotation mechanism. The shroud automatically opens when the pedal surface is rotated upward and closes when the pedal returns to its default position. This dynamic behavior provides intuitive control where the activation state of the switch visually corresponds to the pedal position, enhancing both safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances operational safety and efficiency by allowing seamless function switching without unnecessary movement, maintaining focus on the surgical site and reducing the risk of accidental laser activation during procedures like vitrectomy and pan-retinal photocoagulation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring assembly that places the pedal surface of the treadle at the default angular position with respect to the base and configured to compress with the application of torque on the pedal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a control assembly that determines the angular position of the treadle relative to the base and to converts the angular position into a first signal describing the angular position of the pedal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10901450B2Multi-functional surgical foot controller with integrated shroud

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 ALCON INC

AI summary

Multi-functional foot controller with treadle for controlling a first function and as an integrated shroud for a switch that controls an additional function.