Medical Device Input Control With Motion-Based Velocity Capping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling steerable elongate medical devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintended motion, which can lead to undesirable damage to patient tissue during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a processor and memory, configured to detect operator contact with input controls using sensors, and prevent control signal generation if the detected displacement exceeds a prestored threshold while an operator is present, thereby limiting movement to a velocity cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the master assembly is made easily operable for controlling the elongate device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent or accidental actuation increases, leading to potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of operator presence and intentional contact before allowing control signal generation. The sensor detects whether the operator is present and whether contact with the input control is intentional, preventing inadvertent actuation while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate controls
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operator presence and contact status, providing real-time feedback to the control signal generation process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between intentional operator inputs and inadvertent contacts, enabling safe operation without compromising ease of use
2Reliability
If the displacement threshold is set low to prevent unintended motion, then the safety is improved, but the productivity of the medical procedure decreases due to frequent control signal interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes operator presence detection before applying displacement threshold limitations. When operator presence is confirmed, the system allows greater displacement freedom, thereby maintaining safety while preventing unnecessary interruptions to procedural productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts control signal generation based on real-time detection of operator presence and contact status. The displacement threshold application is not static but adapts according to whether an operator is actively present and intentionally operating the controls, balancing safety with procedural efficiency
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
The system effectively reduces the risk of unintended tissue damage by ensuring that only intentional and controlled motions of the medical device are executed, enhancing the safety and precision of minimally invasive medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the operator-detection sensor may comprise a capacitive sensor configured to detect when the operator is in physical contact with the input device
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor associated with the input device and that may be configured to detect a displacement distance of the input device
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an input device structurally configured to be utilized by an operator to control a medical device. The system further comprises a motion sensor associated with the input device and configured to detect a displacement distance of the input device. The system further comprises a control unit configured to determine a velocity cap defining a maximum velocity of the medical device based on the detected displacement distance. The control system is further configured to control movement of the medical device based on the velocity cap.