HF Surgical Instrument with Optical Tissue Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-frequency (HF) surgical systems cannot reliably adapt HF modes to different tissue types during procedures, leading to suboptimal treatment results and potential damage to nearby tissues like nerve pathways or blood vessels due to insufficient detection of tissue electrical properties.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an optical capturing device and sensor system in the HF instrument for real-time optical classification of tissue types, allowing for adaptive adjustment of HF modes based on tissue type, using methods like spectroscopy and imaging to ensure accurate detection and prevention of improper treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HF modes are adapted to different tissue types based on electrical properties, then treatment results are improved, but reliable detection of tissue type cannot be achieved due to insufficient discrimination capability of electrical properties alone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (electrical impedance sensing and optical imaging/spectroscopy) into a single integrated system. The optical capturing device captures images and spectral data while electrical sensors measure impedance, and both data streams are fused to achieve reliable tissue type detection and HF mode selection, overcoming the limitations of using either modality alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical properties (absorption, scattering, fluorescence) as intermediary characteristics that provide additional information about tissue composition and structure. These optical measurements serve as mediators that bridge the gap between electrical properties and tissue type identification, enabling more precise detection and classification of tissue types for reliable HF mode adaptation.
2Ease of operation
If HF mode remains fixed during transition between tissue types, then device operation is simple, but improper treatment occurs due to inability to adapt to new tissue type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where the optical capturing device continuously monitors tissue properties during the HF procedure. The captured optical data is processed to identify tissue type transitions, and the system automatically provides feedback to switch the appropriate HF mode, ensuring treatment safety without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting tissue type transitions through optical monitoring and autonomously selecting the appropriate HF mode. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually adjust settings when transitioning between different tissue types, maintaining both operational simplicity and treatment reliability through automated adaptation.
3Measurement precision
If optical capturing device is integrated into HF instrument, then tissue type detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical capturing device is designed with multi-functionality to justify its integration into the HF instrument. It serves multiple purposes: capturing tissue images for visual guidance, acquiring spectral data for tissue type classification, and providing real-time monitoring during HF procedures. This universal functionality offsets the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the optical capturing device adjusts its operation based on procedural needs. The system dynamically selects imaging modes, adjusts capture frequency, and processes data in real-time according to the specific tissue type and treatment phase, optimizing performance while managing complexity through intelligent resource allocation rather than static over-engineering.
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 reliable detection of tissue types and adaptive HF mode switching, preventing unnecessary cutting or coagulation, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of tissue damage, while also allowing for automation and optimization of HF modes based on real-time data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
using methods like spectroscopy and imaging to ensure accurate detection
Implementation Method 2
optical classification of a tissue type of the tissue in the region of the HF electrode based on optical measurement signals captured by the optical capturing device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for supporting an HF surgical procedure in which tissue is treated. The method includes supplying an HF instrument including an HF electrode and an HF generator with HF current, providing a plurality of HF modes adapted to respective ones of a plurality of tissue types, and orienting an optical capturing device toward the HF electrode such that a field of view of the optical capturing device is configured to encompass a region of the tissue to be treated around the HF electrode during an intended treatment of the tissue. The method further includes performing an optical classification of a tissue type of the tissue in the region of the HF electrode based on optical measurement signals captured by the optical capturing device, and setting a specific HF mode for the tissue type based on the result of the optical classification.