Modular Surgical Enclosure with Sensor-Activated Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy application to tissue during surgical procedures, particularly in minimizing tissue trauma and optimizing tool activation based on real-time conditions, due to visibility restrictions and the complexity of managing multiple moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical enclosure with integrated generators for different energy types, a smoke evacuation module, and a suction/irrigation module, along with a hub that facilitates quick removal and replacement of modules, and a sensor system for automatic activation of surgical tools based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are mounted to robotic arms, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surgical tool into separate functional modules: a reusable robotic arm and an interchangeable surgical tool assembly. This segmentation allows the complex system to be managed through modular components, where each tool can be independently selected and mounted without affecting the robotic arm infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple different surgical tool types. This multi-functionality allows a single robotic arm structure to perform diverse surgical functions by simply changing the tool assembly, thereby managing complexity through standardization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If robotic surgical tools are used for minimally invasive procedures, then tissue trauma is reduced, but visibility restrictions make it difficult to manage energy application to tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors within the surgical tool assembly that detect conditions at the tissue interface and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of energy application parameters, allowing precise control despite the limited visibility inherent in minimally invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of energy application with automated sensor-based control systems. Instead of relying on visual feedback from the surgeon, the system uses electronic sensors to detect tissue conditions and automatically modulates energy delivery, overcoming the visibility restrictions of minimally invasive access.
3Ease of operation
If manual control of surgical tool activation is used, then clinician control is maintained, but decision-making time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring sensor thresholds and energy parameters based on the specific surgical tool and procedure type. This preliminary setup allows the automatic activation system to immediately respond to detected conditions without requiring real-time clinician decision-making, thereby reducing decision-making time while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical tool assembly includes self-service automation where sensors automatically detect tissue conditions and trigger appropriate energy application without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own state and activates functions based on predefined criteria, maintaining clinician oversight while eliminating delays associated with manual control decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access system is disclosed including a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, and a surgical access device. The surgical access device includes an atraumatic outer housing defining an outer perimeter, a first access port including a first seal, a second access port including a second seal, a first docking portion, and a second docking portion. The first access port is configured to receive a first surgical tool and the second access port is configured to receive a second surgical tool. The first robotic arm is configured to be releasably coupled to the first docking portion to define a first remote center for the first surgical tool at the first access port and the second robotic arm is configured to be releasably coupled to the second docking portion to define a second remote center for the second surgical tool at the second access port.