Multifunctional Laryngoscope Control for Steerable Introducer Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steerable introducers, such as flexible endoscopes, can be difficult to maneuver into the desired location and orientation within a patient's anatomy due to challenges in tracking the changed orientation of the distal end during procedures.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a processor that receives an orientation signal from an orientation sensor at the distal end of the introducer and translates steering commands from the user's reference frame into the introducer's orientation, allowing for more intuitive steering and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a steerable introducer is used to navigate through patient anatomy, then the ability to reach desired locations is improved, but the difficulty of maneuvering and controlling orientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate through anatomyVSAvoiddifficulty of maneuvering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs orientation sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) at the distal end of the introducer to provide real-time feedback about the current orientation. This feedback is displayed to the operator and used to adjust steering commands, creating a closed-loop control system that makes maneuvering more intuitive and easier to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering mechanisms with electronic control systems. Orientation sensors electronically detect the introducer's position and orientation, and electronic signals are used to control the steerable distal tip, substituting complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with electronic sensing and display systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distal end orientation changes during insertion, then navigation flexibility is improved, but tracking the orientation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoidtracking orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Orientation sensors continuously monitor the distal end orientation and provide real-time feedback through visual displays. This feedback mechanism compensates for the loss of spatial orientation information by constantly presenting the current orientation state to the operator, making it easy to track despite changes in position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary display interface between the operator and the physical introducer. The display acts as a mediator that translates complex spatial orientation data into intuitive visual representations, helping the operator track orientation without directly observing the physical position of the distal end

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12342994B2Multifunctional visualization instrument with orientation control

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 COVIDIEN AG

AI summary

A multifunctional laryngoscope is provided that includes a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a display screen on the handle. The laryngoscope includes a laryngoscope camera at the distal end of the handle and an introducer comprising an orientation sensor at a distal end of the introducer. The laryngoscope includes a processor programmed to execute instructions for receiving from a steering input a steering command in a first reference frame, and mapping the steering command to a second reference frame oriented to the distal end of the introducer based on an orientation signal from the orientation sensor.