Multi-Axis Imaging Assembly for Continuous Laparoscopic Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery is hindered by the need to repeatedly adjust the laparoscope's direction to maintain visualization of the surgical field, causing interruptions and loss of vision during instrument insertion or withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
An imaging assembly with an external and internal member, actuated by motors outside the body, allowing independent movement in multiple degrees of freedom, providing omnidirectional vision and minimizing incision size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laparoscope tip is directed toward a particular port to observe the exit port, then the port observation is improved, but the visualization of the surgical field is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple independent imaging shafts (first imaging shaft and second imaging shaft), each capable of being directed toward different ports. This segmentation allows simultaneous observation of multiple ports while maintaining surgical field visualization, resolving the contradiction between port observation and surgical field visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-laparoscope viewpoint to a multi-laparoscope spatial arrangement, adding dimensional complexity to the imaging system. Multiple imaging shafts are positioned at different locations and angles, enabling omnidirectional vision that captures both port exit views and surgical field simultaneously without mutual interference.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a single laparoscope is used to maintain surgical field visualization, then the surgical field is continuously visualized, but the ability to observe all port exits is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging assembly is designed with multiple imaging shafts that can independently be directed toward different ports or the surgical field as needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various observation requirements - observing port exits, surgical field, or any combination thereof - while maintaining continuous visualization throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging assembly is made larger to accommodate motors inside the abdomen, then the actuation capability is improved, but the incision size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor actuators are extracted from the internal imaging shaft and placed in an external housing outside the patient's body. Only the thin imaging shafts need to pass through the cannula into the abdomen, minimizing incision size. The external motors provide full actuation capability while the internal components remain minimal and slender, resolving the contradiction between actuation capability and incision size.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging probe is positioned at the distal end for omnidirectional vision, then the imaging capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging probe is nested at the distal end of the internal imaging shaft, which itself is nested within the external hollow member. This nested arrangement allows the imaging probe to be positioned optimally for omnidirectional vision while utilizing the existing structural hierarchy of the device, minimizing additional complexity. The pivotable coupling of the imaging probe to the internal shaft enables directional control without requiring separate actuation mechanisms for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging assembly includes an external hollow member, which extends from a housing, an internal member disposed in the external hollow member, an imaging probe pivotally coupled to the internal member, and an actuator mechanism coupled to the external hollow member and to the internal member configured to move the external hollow member and the internal member in independent degrees of movement.