Interventional Procedure Planning With Multiple Engagement Locations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for deploying minimally invasive interventional instruments face inaccuracies in determining target tissue locations due to differences in patient anatomy between pre-operative images and actual conditions, position sensor errors, and registration technique inaccuracies, leading to challenges in accessing the target tissue effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that identify a target structure in an anatomic frame of reference, determine a target region, and record engagement locations of the interventional instrument, using a graphical user interface to update with engagement markers, and plan multiple deployments by identifying multiple engagement points within a probabilistic target region to increase the likelihood of accessing the target structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single target location is identified based on pre-operative imaging, then the procedure planning is simplified, but the accuracy of accessing the target tissue is reduced due to anatomical variations and sensor errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure planning complexityVSAvoidtarget tissue location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the target engagement process into multiple discrete engagement locations rather than relying on a single target point. The system identifies a first engagement location, performs a first engagement, then identifies a second engagement location, and performs a second engagement. This segmentation allows the system to compensate for anatomical variations and sensor errors by distributing the engagement attempts across multiple locations within the target region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple engagement locations are planned and executed, then the likelihood of successful target engagement is increased, but the procedure time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget engagement success rateVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of multiple engagement locations before executing the engagements. The first and second engagement locations are identified in advance based on pre-operative imaging and real-time sensor data, allowing the proceduralist to efficiently navigate to each location without extensive real-time decision-making. This preliminary planning reduces the time penalty associated with multiple engagements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the outcome of the first engagement informs the planning of the second engagement. After performing the first engagement at the first location, the system uses updated sensor data and procedural feedback to identify and execute the second engagement at a second location, optimizing the overall engagement strategy based on real-time information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12458457B2Systems and methods for planning multiple interventional procedures

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A method of deploying an interventional instrument comprises identifying a target structure in an anatomic frame of reference. The method further comprises determining a target region in the anatomic frame of reference with respect to a current position of the interventional instrument and recording a first engagement location of the interventional instrument within the target region.