Laparoscopic Tool Gesture Control for Endoscope Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery interfaces, such as those using automated assistants, provide limited feedback and require cumbersome serial operations, diverting the surgeon's focus from the primary task and failing to allow clear communication of the focused instrument to assistants or colleagues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an endoscope, surgical tools, and a maneuvering mechanism, with a computer program that processes images and detects tool movements to control the endoscope and tools in real-time, allowing for precise movement and activation based on predetermined protocols, enhancing the surgeon's ability to manage the surgical environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated assistants are used to shift endoscope positioning, then surgical precision is improved, but the surgeon's focus is diverted and feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon by displaying the endoscope's field of view on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to continuously monitor positioning accuracy and make adjustments without diverting focus from the primary surgical task. The automated assistant responds to surgeon commands while the surgeon maintains situational awareness through the displayed feedback.
2Productivity
If automated assistants are used for endoscope control, then operational efficiency is improved, but the interface requires cumbersome serial operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures the automated assistant with predetermined movement protocols and positioning patterns. Instead of requiring the surgeon to issue multiple sequential commands for each adjustment, the system has pre-programmed movement sequences that can be activated with single commands, reducing the number of serial operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated assistant is designed to perform multiple functions including endoscope positioning, field of view adjustment, and coordination with surgical tools. This multi-functionality allows a single interface to control various aspects of the surgical environment, reducing the need for multiple separate control systems and simplifying the overall operation.
3Measurement precision
If automated assistants are used for maneuvering, then surgical precision is improved, but the surgeon cannot clearly signal focused instruments to assistants or colleagues
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon by displaying the endoscope's field of view on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to continuously monitor positioning accuracy and make adjustments without diverting focus from the primary surgical task. The automated assistant responds to surgeon commands while the surgeon maintains situational awareness through the displayed feedback.
4Device complexity
If conventional laparoscopic interfaces are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but the surgeon's focus is diverted from the primary task
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures the automated assistant with predetermined movement protocols and positioning patterns. Instead of requiring the surgeon to issue multiple sequential commands for each adjustment, the system has pre-programmed movement sequences that can be activated with single commands, reducing the number of serial operations required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a surgical maneuvering system, in which movement of a moving element is used to control a surgical device such as a surgical tool or an endoscope. The moving element can be a tool or a portion of an operator's body. The relationship between the moving element and the surgical device can be any of: motion of a moving element controlling motion of a surgical device, motion of a moving element controlling an action of a surgical device, a command of a moving element controlling motion of a surgical device, or a command of a moving element controlling an action of the device. Commands are typically arbitrary movements such as shaking a tool. Actions are changes in a surgical device that do not change its overall position, such as closing a grasper.