Laparoscopic Endoscope Controller with Rule-Based Spatial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery interfaces, such as those using head-mounted sensors or voice-operated systems, provide limited feedback and require constant attention, diverting the surgeon's focus from the primary task and failing to indicate which instrument they are focused on, leading to complications in spatial repositioning of the endoscope for optimal viewing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical controlling system that includes a surgical tool, a location estimating means, a movement detection means, and a controller with a database to determine allowed and restricted movements based on predefined rules, such as route, environmental, and operator input rules, to control the spatial position of the endoscope and alert the surgeon of restricted movements, ensuring optimal instrument positioning and maintaining a constant field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated assistants with directional interfaces (head-mounted sensors, voice-operated systems) are used to control endoscope positioning, then the surgeon's hands are freed for surgical tasks, but the surgeon's focus is diverted from the primary task due to constant attention required for interface operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects surgical tools and determines their spatial relationships without requiring surgeon input. The automated assistant independently decides which tool to track based on proximity and spatial configuration, eliminating the need for surgeon intervention in interface operation while maintaining appropriate tool focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the spatial positions of surgical tools and dynamically adjusts endoscope positioning based on detected tool configurations. This automatic feedback loop ensures the surgeon's attention remains on the surgical field rather than interface control, while the system adapts to changing surgical conditions.
2Ease of operation
If manual camera assistants are used to hold the endoscope, then the surgeon can perform operations with both hands, but it is difficult to hold the endoscope steady and keep the scene upright
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical control by a human assistant with an automated electronic control system. The automated assistant uses sensors and processors to detect tool positions and automatically adjusts endoscope positioning, providing stable and consistent scene orientation without human physical limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system independently maintains endoscope stability by continuously monitoring surgical tool positions and making real-time adjustments without requiring human intervention. The system self-corrects positioning to keep the surgical scene stable and upright throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If automated assistants are used to shift the camera view, then the interface can be controlled remotely, but a single directional interface provides limited feedback and requires cumbersome serial operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for complex directional interfaces by automatically detecting which surgical tool is most relevant based on spatial proximity and configuration. The automated assistant independently determines tracking targets without requiring surgeon input through complex interfaces, simplifying operation while maintaining appropriate focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple functions through a single automated assistant that can track different surgical tools dynamically. Rather than requiring separate controls for each tool or direction, the unified system adapts its tracking target based on the surgical situation, reducing interface complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assisting a surgical operator in performing a surgical procedure uses a surgical controlling system includes a controller having a processing means communicable with a controller's database, said controller configured to control the spatial position of a surgical tool. The controller's database is in communication with movement detection means. The controller's database is configured to store a predetermined set of rules according to which allowed and restricted movements of the surgical tool are determined, each detected movement by said movement detection means of said at least one surgical tool being determined as either an allowed movement or as a restricted movement according to said predetermined set of rules. The system automatically real-time analyzes and determines the location of each anatomical element in the surgical environment.