Laparoscopic Instrument Proximity Sensing for Anatomical Warning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laparoscopic surgical procedures face challenges due to poor visibility, lack of tactile response, and anatomical confusion, leading to potential damage from surgical instruments to non-target anatomical structures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system using sensors and processors to determine the proximity of surgical instruments to anatomical structures, generating warnings when the distance is less than a predetermined threshold, and incorporating EM waves and 3D models to navigate safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If laparoscopic surgical procedures are performed through small puncture-like incisions, then minimally invasive surgery is achieved, but poor visibility and lack of tactile response occur making procedures more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincision sizeVSAvoidvisibility and tactile response

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, processors, and graphical displays that mediate between the surgical instrument and the surgeon. Location sensors detect the position of surgical instruments, processors compute spatial relationships with anatomical structures, and graphical representations provide visual feedback, thereby compensating for the lack of direct tactile response and poor visibility inherent in laparoscopic procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical tactile feedback system with an electronic sensing and visual display system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's tactile sense through direct contact, the system uses location sensors to detect instrument positions and processors to compute spatial relationships, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic measurement and visual representation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If surgical instruments are used in laparoscopic procedures without proximity detection, then surgical operations can be performed, but inadvertent injuries to non-target anatomical structures may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical operation capabilityVSAvoidrisk of injury to non-target structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where location sensors continuously monitor the position of surgical instruments, processors compute the proximity to non-target anatomical structures, and graphical representations provide real-time visual feedback to the surgeon. This feedback loop enables the surgeon to adjust instrument positioning to avoid inadvertent injuries while maintaining surgical productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the spatial relationship between surgical instruments and non-target anatomical structures before contact occurs. By continuously monitoring proximity and providing advance warning through graphical representations, the system enables preventive action to avoid injuries before they happen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If proximity detection systems are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical safetyVSAvoidsensor and processor system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the location sensors and processors to serve multiple functions: detecting instrument positions, computing spatial relationships with various anatomical structures, providing proximity warnings, and generating graphical representations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 navigation of surgical instruments to avoid unintentional damage to non-target anatomical structures by providing real-time proximity warnings and 3D model guidance.

Implementation Method 1

the location sensor is further configured to emit a probing signal to the anatomical structure and to receive a signal reflected from the anatomical structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12501125B2System and methods for determining proximity relative to an anatomical structure

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A system includes a surgical instrument configured to perform a laparoscopic surgical operation, a location sensor configured to identify a spatial relationship between an anatomical structure and the surgical instrument, and a processor configured to receive a graphical representation of a patient, determine proximity of the distal end portion of the surgical instrument with the anatomical structure of the patient based on the spatial relationship, and generate a warning based on the determination of proximity.