Gimballed Laparoscopic Camera for Wider Wireless Surgical Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic and endoscopic devices suffer from limited field-of-view (FOV) and require frequent insertion and removal, causing tissue damage and extending surgery duration due to the need for multiple cameras and cables, which also complicate the surgical environment.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic device with a gimballed camera at the distal tip, allowing 360-degree rotation on the x-axis and 270-degree rotation on the y-axis, combined with a wireless mechanism to eliminate cords and provide a FOV of up to 90-110 degrees, and integrated with a virtual guidance system for real-time 3D mapping and tool tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed camera is mounted at the top of the laparoscopic device, then the device structure is simple, but the field-of-view is limited to 35-45 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a gimballed camera system that allows the camera to rotate and pivot dynamically within the handle. The camera can rotate 360 degrees on the x-axis and 270 degrees on the y-axis, transforming the static camera mounting into a dynamic system that adapts its viewing angle to provide a wide field-of-view of 90-110 degrees without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by adding rotational degrees of freedom to the camera mounting. Instead of a fixed linear arrangement, the camera is mounted on gimbal mechanisms that enable rotation around multiple axes (x-axis and y-axis), effectively adding dimensional flexibility to the camera positioning system to achieve comprehensive visualization
2Area of stationary object
If multiple laparoscopes are used to achieve wider visualization, then the field-of-view is improved, but tissue damage increases due to frequent insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple camera functions and wide-angle capabilities into a single laparoscopic device. The gimballed camera system combines the functionality of multiple fixed cameras by providing dynamic positioning and a 90-110 degree field-of-view, eliminating the need for multiple separate laparoscope insertions and thereby reducing tissue trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single laparoscopic device that can perform multiple viewing functions through the gimballed camera system. The camera can be positioned to capture various angles and perspectives within a single insertion, making the device universal for different surgical visualization needs without requiring multiple specialized instruments
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras and cables are used to provide comprehensive views, then the visualization is improved, but the surgical environment becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the tethered cord from the laparoscopic device, creating a wireless system. The wireless mechanism extracts the cable dependency, allowing the camera system to provide comprehensive views without the physical clutter and complexity of multiple cables running through the surgical field, thereby simplifying the surgical environment while maintaining enhanced visualization capabilities
4Area of stationary object
If the camera is mounted in the handle with a light tube, then the device structure is simple, but the field-of-view is limited to 35-45 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static camera mounting in the handle into a dynamic gimballed system. The camera is mounted on rotating mechanisms that allow it to change its orientation and viewing angle dynamically, expanding the field-of-view from 35-45 degrees to 90-110 degrees while keeping the camera physically located within the handle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding rotational axes to the camera mounting. The camera can rotate on the x-axis and pivot on the y-axis, transforming a simple linear light tube mounting into a multi-dimensional positioning system that achieves wide-angle visualization without proportionally increasing structural 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
Enhances surgical efficiency by reducing the need for multiple incisions, minimizing tissue disruption, and providing a wider FOV, while enabling seamless data transfer to AR/XR headsets for improved ergonomics and real-time surgical guidance.
Implementation Method 1
A Scopetrx laparoscope is provided that includes a gimballed camera at a distal tip of an insertion shaft
Implementation Method 2
The circuitry in the handle housing includes a wireless transceiver capable of wireless transmission of data and video information from the device to a remote location
Data Source
AI summary
A laparoscopic imaging apparatus is described herein. The laparoscopic imaging apparatus includes a shaft having a proximal end opposite a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured for attachment to an actuator, and the distal end is configured for attachment of a laparoscopic tool and for insertion into patient anatomy. The laparoscopic tool pivots on a first gimbal apparatus that is actuable from the actuator at the proximal end of the shaft, to rotate the laparoscopic tool about a longitudinal axis of the shaft and, further, to rotate the laparoscopic tool about at least a second axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.