Magnetic Manipulation for Minimally Invasive Surgery Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

During minimally invasive surgery, especially Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), the visualization of the surgical field is compromised due to the surgery target moving down under gravity, limiting the effectiveness of the procedure.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary apparatus comprising an in vivo device with a magnet anchoring element and an in vitro magnetic field generating element, allowing the surgery target to be maneuvered and rotated via a controlled external magnetic field, thereby overcoming gravity and improving visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional endoscopic surgery is performed without auxiliary devices, then the surgical procedure can be completed with standard equipment, but the visualization of the surgical field is narrowed due to gravity causing the surgery target to move down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization of surgical fieldVSAvoidperformance of ESD
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic force as a counteracting force to gravity. The in vivo magnet anchoring element attached to the surgery target interacts with the in vitro magnetic field generating element to create an upward magnetic force that counterbalances the downward gravitational force, preventing the surgery target from moving down and improving surgical field visualization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to transmit control from the external device to the surgery target. The in vitro magnetic field generating element creates a magnetic field that acts on the in vivo magnet anchoring element, enabling controlled movement and positioning of the surgery target without direct mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the surgery target is allowed to move freely under gravity, then the surgical procedure follows natural physical laws, but the visual field is narrowed and surgical performance is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresection efficiencyVSAvoidvisual field
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic force generated by the interaction between the in vivo magnet and in vitro magnetic field generating element serves as a counterweight to gravity, holding the surgery target in the desired position and maintaining optimal visual field exposure for improved resection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic control of the surgery target position by adjusting the magnetic field parameters. The in vitro magnetic field generating element can vary the magnetic field strength and direction, allowing the surgery target to be positioned optimally for different stages of the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus enhances the visual field and resection efficiency by allowing controlled movement and rotation of the surgery target, improving the performance and accuracy of the surgical procedure.

Implementation Method 1

The in vivo magnet can move and/or rotate according to the direction change of the external magnetic field, which is induced by the in vitro magnetic field generating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The in vivo device includes an in vivo magnet anchoring element for the surgery target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3294147B1Auxiliary apparatus for minimally invasive surgery
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 ANKON MEDICAL TECH (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3294147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3294147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3294147B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4

AI summary

An auxiliary apparatus for MIS includes an in vivo device and an in vitro device, to maneuver a surgery target. The in vitro device comprises an in vitro magnetic field generating element. The in vivo device includes an in vivo magnet anchoring element for the surgery target. The in vivo magnet can move and/or rotate according to the direction change of the external magnetic field, which is induced by the in vitro magnetic field generating element, and thereby the surgery target moves in a controlled speed and/or rotates in a controlled angle according to the direction change of the external magnetic field. A method to control the auxiliary apparatus is also provided.