Lumen Positioning Device with Radial Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures require precise positioning of tools within lumens, such as the ear canal, to avoid discomfort and damage, but existing methods lack accuracy and stability, especially in procedures like intratympanic steroid injections where the needle must be positioned to pierce the posteroinferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cylindrical positioning device with an actuator that applies radial force to the internal wall of the lumen, controlled by a system that processes images from a camera or optical fibers to autonomously move the device to a target position, using an inflatable actuator and a deep neural network for precise positioning and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning method is used, then device complexity is low, but positioning precision and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses actuators (such as voice coil actuators or shape memory alloys) to precisely control the position of the medical tool. The control system processes images and automatically adjusts the tool's position, eliminating manual operation errors and achieving sub-millimeter positioning precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic positioning functionality where the control system autonomously adjusts the medical tool's position based on real-time image feedback without requiring continuous manual intervention. The actuator system self-corrects positioning deviations by comparing current position with target position, enabling the device to maintain accurate positioning automatically during the procedure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual positioning method is used, then device complexity is low, but stability of the medical tool is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the control system continuously monitors the position of the medical tool through image processing and automatically adjusts the actuator to maintain the desired position. This feedback mechanism compensates for disturbances and maintains tool stability throughout the procedure, preventing unintended movements that could cause discomfort or damage to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual holding and stabilization with an automated actuator system that mechanically stabilizes the medical tool. The actuator (such as a voice coil actuator or shape memory alloy) provides precise mechanical stabilization by counteracting forces and maintaining position, eliminating the instability associated with manual positioning while keeping the device complexity manageable through integrated design.
3Measurement precision
If autonomous positioning system is implemented, then positioning precision is improved, but extent of automation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated control system that replaces manual positioning operations with computer-controlled actuators. The system processes images automatically to determine the target position and controls the actuator to achieve precise positioning of the medical tool. This automation achieves sub-millimeter positioning precision while maintaining a balanced level of automation that does not overly complicate the device structure.
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
The system significantly reduces human error in positioning medical tools by autonomously moving the device to the target location within the lumen, ensuring accurate placement of the needle for intratympanic injections, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to apply a force to an internal wall of the lumen to move the cylindrical body in a radial direction within the lumen
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may be configured such that when actuated, the actuator supports the weight of the cylindrical body within the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system 10 for positioning a medical tool within a lumen. The system 10 comprises a positioning device 11 and a control system 12. The positioning device 11 comprises a cylindrical body 110, configured to receive the medical tool, and an actuator 120 configured to apply a force to an internal wall of the lumen to move the cylindrical body 110 in a radial direction within the lumen. The control system 12 is configured to: receive an input signal indicative of a target position of the cylindrical body 110, and provide an output signal to control the actuator 120 to move the cylindrical body 110 to adopt the target position. The system 10 may comprise a camera and utilise image recognition to identify a target location in an image captured by the camera to determine the target position of the cylindrical body 110. The system 10 may be configured such that the cylindrical body 110 is automatically moved to the target position. The system 10 may also be configured to compensate for unintended movement of the cylindrical body 110 away from the target position. The system 10 may be particularly applicable to positioning a needle within an ear canal to perform an intratympanic injection.