Handheld Microscope with Cannula-Coupled Optical Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cannulated minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures rely on non-visual techniques like x-rays for surgical site inspection, limiting the ability to inform surgical personnel about the condition of the surgical site and procedure progress.
Innovation Solution
A surgical viewing system that utilizes a cannula as an access portal to align and stabilize a viewing system, enabling rapid visual inspection without removing the cannula, with an optical adaptor and light probe to illuminate the surgical site, and viewing optics to transfer reflected light for clear visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If non-visual techniques like x-rays are used for surgical site inspection, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the ability to inform surgical personnel about the condition of the surgical site is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system comprising a cannula with integrated optics that mediates between the surgical site and the surgeon's eye. The cannula contains optical elements (lenses, mirrors) that transmit visual information from the surgical site to the external observer, serving as a mediator that overcomes the limitation of non-visual techniques while maintaining the minimally invasive approach.
2Ease of operation
If a viewing system is inserted through the cannula, then visual inspection of the surgical site is enabled, but the cannula must be removed for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing system is nested within the cannula structure itself. The optical elements are housed inside the cannula, allowing the viewing function to be integrated into the existing access pathway. This nesting eliminates the need to remove the cannula for deployment, as the viewing system is already positioned at the surgical site through the cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the access pathway for the minimally invasive procedure and simultaneously houses the viewing system. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to enable both surgical access and visual inspection without requiring separate insertion/removal cycles.
3Area of stationary object
If the viewing system is deployed through the cannula, then visual access to the surgical site is achieved, but the field of view may be obstructed by the cannula structure
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements within the cannula are positioned asymmetrically to optimize the field of view. The asymmetric arrangement of lenses and mirrors compensates for the circular obstruction of the cannula, allowing the optical system to capture and transmit a wider angular range of light from the surgical site, thereby maximizing the effective field of view despite the cannula's presence.
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
Enables intermittent viewing of surgical sites during cannulated MIS procedures, allowing for rapid deployment and removal of the viewing system, and includes means to prevent obstruction and enhance viewing by illuminating and clearing debris.
Implementation Method 1
A light probe may be coupled to the optical adaptor and extending distal to the base portion of the housing and parallel to the viewing axis of the optical adaptor, the light probe being configured to illuminate a surgical site that is distal to the light probe
Implementation Method 2
Viewing optics are configured to view a target at the surgical site through the access portal and transfer reflected light from the target to the optical outlet port
Implementation Method 3
the optical outlet port subtending a transfer axis of the viewing system, the transfer axis intersecting the viewing axis at an acute transfer angle
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld microscope for direct, optical viewing of surgical sites. The system includes an illumination system, as well as viewing optics contained in a housing, the housing being configured for coupling to a proximal end of an access port. In some embodiments, the access port houses a light probe coupled to a source of the illumination system for irradiation of the surgical area. The system may include aspiration capability for clearing debris from the surgical site.