Magnetic Intracavity Device Control for One-Operator Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures often require multiple operators due to the need for additional devices to manipulate tissue, which can crowd access sites and necessitate larger or additional incisions, complicating the procedure and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system allowing single-operator control through the use of intracavity devices magnetically coupled to external positioning devices, utilizing a controller with a graphical user interface to manipulate multiple devices within the body cavity or lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices are introduced to manipulate tissue during minimally invasive procedures, then tissue manipulation capability is improved, but access sites become crowded requiring larger or additional incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control of multiple intracavity devices through a single operator interface, allowing one operator to control multiple devices independently. Each device can be manipulated through separate control elements on the interface, enabling tissue manipulation without requiring additional access sites for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator interface serves multiple functions by controlling various intracavity devices (graspers, retractors, cameras) through a single unified interface. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each device, reducing the number of access sites required.
2Reliability
If two skilled surgeons operate minimally invasive robotic surgery, then surgical task performance is improved, but procedure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where a single operator can independently control all intracavity devices without requiring assistance from a second surgeon. The interface provides all necessary controls for device manipulation, tissue engagement, and retraction within one operator's reach, eliminating the need for coordinated two-person surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions previously requiring two operators into a single operator interface. Controls for multiple devices are combined into one unified interface, allowing one operator to perform tasks that previously required coordination between primary and secondary surgeons.
3Ease of operation
If multiple operators are used to assist with device manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The single operator interface is designed to be self-sufficient, providing all necessary controls for intracavity device manipulation without requiring assistance. The interface includes integrated controls for positioning, actuation, and coordination of multiple devices, allowing one operator to perform all necessary manipulation tasks independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is pre-configured with all necessary controls and interfaces for operating intracavity devices before the procedure begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time coordination with a second operator during the procedure, maintaining productivity while ensuring ease of operation.
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 minimally invasive surgeries to be performed by a single operator without additional assistance, reducing the need for multiple incisions and enhancing procedural efficiency and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
One or more external magnetic positioning devices may be configured to magnetically couple to a respective intracavity device through tissue (e.g., through a body cavity wall)
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are systems, devices, and methods useful for minimally invasive surgical procedures performed by a single operator. The surgical systems may include a user interface, a display, one or more support arms each comprising an external magnet, and one or more intracavity devices. The intracavity devices may be configured to be attracted to respective external magnets. The user interface may be configured to allow the operator to control the location and orientation of the intracavity devices by control of the position of the support arms and magnetic field of the external magnet.