Laparoscopic Camera Fixation via Retractable Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges due to the complexity of manipulating and orienting instruments through small incisions, requiring assistants and multiple incisions, with existing robotic systems being bulky, expensive, and limiting the range of motion for endoscope and other instruments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a capture and fixation device with a cannula, slideable clamp, and retractable loop for internal body cavity wall attachment, an insertion tool with motors and printed circuit boards, and an insertable device with pan and tilt capabilities, allowing for independent camera positioning and fixation within the body cavity without additional incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an assistant holds and orients the endoscope during minimally invasive surgery, then the surgeon can focus on manipulating surgical instruments, but an additional person is required in the operating room increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system performs self-orientation through autonomous navigation capabilities, using sensors and control algorithms to automatically position and stabilize the endoscope without requiring an assistant to manually hold or orient it during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical orientation by an assistant is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to achieve endoscope positioning and stabilization through electronic rather than manual mechanical means
2Stability of the object's composition
If robotic systems are used to automate endoscope orientation, then the view stability is improved, but the equipment becomes complex and occupies large operating room space
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into modular components including a compact endoscope holder, separate control electronics, and integrated sensors, allowing the system to achieve stable viewing while occupying minimal operating room space through distributed functional modules
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from large-scale robotic arms operating in three-dimensional space to a compact planar mounting system that attaches to existing laparoscopic equipment, achieving automation functionality in a two-dimensional footprint that minimizes operating room occupancy
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated incision is made for the endoscope, then the camera can be positioned with additional freedom, but multiple patient incisions are required increasing surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is integrated into the existing laparoscopic trocar system, allowing the same incision and access point to serve both the surgical instruments and the imaging system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated incisions while maintaining camera positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope mounting system combines the imaging function with the existing surgical access infrastructure by attaching to the trocar or cannula system, merging two previously separate requirements (surgical access and imaging access) into a single integrated solution
4Ease of operation
If high voltage is used to operate actuators in hyper endoscope systems, then the camera can be actively positioned, but safety concerns arise during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
High-voltage electrical actuators are replaced with low-voltage or battery-powered motor systems that provide sufficient torque for camera positioning while operating at safe voltage levels that eliminate electrical shock risks in the surgical environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses battery-powered or low-voltage actuators that can be disposed of or easily replaced, eliminating the need for high-voltage power delivery systems and associated safety infrastructure while maintaining active positioning capability
Data Source
AI summary
Devices used during minimally invasive surgery (sometimes called minimal access surgery or laparoscopic surgery) for implantation and fixation of various cameras, for example, to the human body. An insertable device including a housing divided into two sections, a camera, a sensor, at least two LED lights, a lens flush located above the camera lens to clean a lens of the camera, and a motor for moving the camera in relation to the housing with pan and tilt capabilities. An insertion tool for inserting devices including a cannula, a top housing, and a bottom, wherein the bottom couples with the insertable device. A capture and fixation device for capturing and fixing an insertable device to an internal body cavity wall, the device includes a cannula, at least one slideable clamp device, and a retractable loop. Once the insertable device is positioned, the retractable loop fixes the insertable device to the body cavity wall.