Image-Guided Robotic Surgical Probes for Selective Tissue Resection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments coupled to robotic arms are less than ideal for selective tissue resection, often lacking effective imaging guidance and being overly complex.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a treatment probe mounted on a robotic arm with an energy source, controlled by a processor to selectively resect tissue based on predefined volumes and images, and an imaging probe for precise guidance, with features like irrigation, aspiration, and endoscopic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior surgical instruments are coupled to robotic arms, then automated surgery can be performed, but the instruments non-selectively resect tissue and lack imaging guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, energy delivery, irrigation, aspiration) into a single integrated probe that is coupled to the robotic arm. This merging allows the system to simultaneously provide image guidance and selective tissue resection, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform imaging, deliver energy for tissue resection, provide irrigation, and perform aspiration. This universality allows a single instrument to address multiple requirements, including both selective resection and imaging guidance, eliminating the need for separate instruments.
2Extent of automation
If prior surgical instruments are coupled to robotic arms, then automated surgery can be performed, but the instruments become overly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the robotic arm for automated positioning, the probe with integrated functions, and the energy source. This segmentation allows complexity to be distributed and managed separately, with the robotic arm handling automation while the probe handles surgical functions, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the tissue target. It translates the robotic arm's automated positioning into precise surgical actions while maintaining relative simplicity in its own structure through modular design with separate irrigation and aspiration lumens.
3Productivity
If the robotic arm moves the probe to multiple positions, then tissue resection can be performed throughout a defined volume, but tissue movement near the probe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates irrigation and aspiration lumens that use fluid dynamics to stabilize tissue during resection. The irrigation system can hold tissue steady with fluid pressure while the energy source resects tissue, allowing the robotic arm to move the probe through a defined volume without causing excessive tissue movement.
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 precise and efficient tissue resection with improved safety and efficiency by using robotic arms for controlled energy delivery and imaging, suitable for various tissues and organs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source coupled to a probe mounted on a robotic arm, and a processor configured with instructions to release energy so as to selectively resect tissue
Implementation Method 2
The irrigation lumen and aspiration lumen can be used to provide a beneficial environment at the location where tissue is removed
Implementation Method 3
The irrigation lumen and aspiration lumen can be used to provide a beneficial environment at the location where tissue is removed
Data Source
AI summary
An energy source is coupled to a probe mounted on a robotic arm, and a processor configured with instructions to release energy to resect tissue in coordination with movement of the robotic arm and probe. The tissue can be resected in accordance with a defined tissue resection volume that can be determined based on images of the patient. The probe can be moved to a plurality of positions with movement of a distal end of the robotic arm and tissue resected in accordance with the treatment plan. The distal end of the robotic arm can be configured to move to a plurality of locations and orientations to provide an appropriate position and orientation of the probe tip and energy source. The processor can be configured with instructions to pivot the probe at a location to decrease tissue movement near the pivot such as an internal location of the patient.