Navigation Probe for Lung Suture Line Integrity Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for systems and methods to assess the integrity of suture and staple lines in lung tissues, particularly after procedures like Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS), as incomplete seals can lead to complications such as pneumothorax, and existing techniques do not effectively confirm tissue integrity before suturing or stapling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a navigation system with a probe equipped with a location sensor to create a 3D model of the lung, navigate to the target suture line, and image the tissue integrity using various imaging modalities like CT scans, X-ray, or MRI to assess the integrity of the suture line before applying sutures or staples, allowing for real-time dynamic navigation and feedback during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging modalities like CT scans are used for early detection of lung lesions, then the possibility of detecting small lesions and nodules is improved, but the need for additional biopsy and cytological examination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe integrates multiple functions including location sensing, imaging capabilities, and tissue assessment into a single device, allowing it to perform detection, navigation, and evaluation without requiring separate biopsy procedures
2Reliability
If staples and sutures are used to ligate lung tissue in LVRS, then the seal effect is improved, but the risk of incomplete seal and complications like pneumothorax increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-suturing assessment of tissue integrity and suture line quality before completing the sealing procedure, allowing clinicians to identify and correct potential defects before they lead to complications
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system provides real-time feedback on suture line integrity and tissue quality, enabling clinicians to adjust and reinforce sutures or staples in areas showing potential defects
3Measurement precision
If a probe with location sensor and imaging capability is used to assess suture line integrity, then the ability to detect tissue defects is improved, but the complexity of the assessment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines location sensing, 3D model generation, and imaging capabilities into an integrated navigation system that provides comprehensive tissue assessment through a unified interface
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for assessing suture line integrity includes loading a navigation plan into a navigation system, the navigation plan including a planned pathway shown in a 3D model, inserting a probe into a patient's airways, the probe including a location sensor in operative communication with the navigation system, registering a sensed location of the probe with the planned pathway, and selecting a target in the navigation plan, the target including a proposed suture line. The method further includes presenting a view of the 3D model showing the planned pathway and indicating the sensed location of the probe, navigating the probe through the airways of the patient's lungs toward the target, and imaging the proposed suture line of the target, via the probe, to determine tissue integrity surrounding the proposed suture line.