Laparoscopic Instrument Tracking System for Tissue Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery often results in unintentional injuries to patient tissue structures due to the hidden nature of injury sites and delayed responses, leading to complications and unnecessary surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A system that defines a three-dimensional surgical field using sensors and imaging technologies to track and monitor the position of laparoscopic instruments, preventing them from causing harm outside this designated space, and automatically deactivating hazardous functions when they approach vulnerable tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laparoscopic surgery is performed using conventional instruments, then surgical efficiency and patient recovery are improved, but unintentional injuries to adjacent tissues occur due to lack of real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the position of laparoscopic instruments using electromagnetic sensors and providing immediate alerts when instruments approach or enter restricted zones around vulnerable tissues, enabling surgeons to adjust their actions to prevent injuries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that acts as a mediator between the surgeon's actions and the patient's tissues. This system includes electromagnetic sensors, position tracking devices, and alert mechanisms that provide an additional layer of protection without interfering with the surgical procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical field is expanded to access distant tissues, then more areas can be treated, but the risk of injuring hidden structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested protective measures where electromagnetic sensors are positioned within the surgical field to create concentric zones of protection around vulnerable tissues. The sensors are embedded in a hierarchical structure with multiple detection layers that provide comprehensive monitoring as instruments move through different depths and regions
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring of instrument positions is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. The electromagnetic sensors not only detect instrument positions but also track tissue movement and define restricted zones. The alert system can provide multiple types of notifications (visual, auditory, haptic) through a single integrated interface, reducing overall system complexity
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
This system significantly reduces the likelihood of inadvertent tissue damage by providing a 'protected space' around vulnerable organs, enhancing patient safety and reducing morbidity during laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention employs one or more of software, optics, high speed digital imaging, such as visible spectrum or infrared (IR) imaging, 2D or 3D ultra sound, MRI and CAT scan images, visible spectrum or infrared (IR) imaging, photography, electromagnetic sensing, radio frequency (RF) sensing as well as one or more sensors
Implementation Method 2
high speed digital imaging, such as visible spectrum or infrared (IR) imaging
Data Source
AI summary
This group of inventions provides means and methods for preventing the damaging portions of surgical tools, such as laparoscopic devices, from adversely contacting tissues and organs that are not in the desired field of surgery. As such, the present disclosure pertains to any form of a warning or positioning device or methods, including those that are facilitated via software that are adapted and arranged for use in tracking portions of surgical instruments during laparoscopic surgery or other medical procedures. Such systems include those that are adapted and arranged to provide a warning to the surgeon or other medical personnel regarding the positional status of an instrument, and those that are adapted and arranged for disabling or attenuating the portions of those instruments that might be dangerous to a patient when a dangerous portion of the instrument is near or outside the desired, or denominated, field of surgery. Data relating to the position and orientation of the instrument and of the position of a safe zone within which the instrument can be kept safely is optionally (preferably) stored throughout a medical procedure for later playback for training purposes or for ensuring that a patient was not injured during a medical procedure.