Multi-Source Surgical Imaging for Concealed Structure Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging systems struggle to recognize and convey critical structures, such as concealed anatomical features and dimensions, leading to uncertain decision-making and potential damage during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical visualization system utilizing multi-source imaging, including spectral and structured light, to provide real-time identification and mapping of critical structures, enabling enhanced intraoperative guidance and avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but concealed structures and critical anatomy cannot be recognized or conveyed intraoperatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (infrared imaging, visible light imaging, ultrasound imaging, fluoroscopy) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. This merging allows the system to capture both surface anatomy and concealed structures simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive information without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: visualizing surface anatomy, detecting concealed structures, providing real-time feedback, and guiding surgical instruments. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address various surgical needs, improving information delivery while managing complexity through integrated design
2Measurement precision
If multi-source imaging is implemented, then concealed structures and critical anatomy can be identified in real-time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional modules: infrared imaging module, visible light imaging module, ultrasound module, and fluoroscopy module. Each module can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing high measurement precision for critical structure identification while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system that acts as an intermediary, coordinating the multiple imaging modalities and integrating their outputs. This mediator manages the complexity by centralizing control logic and data fusion, enabling precise identification of critical structures without requiring direct manual coordination of multiple complex subsystems
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
Enhances surgical precision by providing real-time, augmented views of concealed structures, allowing for safer and more confident surgical maneuvers, reducing the risk of damage to critical anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral emitter configured to emit spectral waves
Implementation Method 2
a structured light emitter configured to emit a light pattern
Implementation Method 3
a receiver configured to detect visible light, molecular responses to the spectral waves, and scattered light pattern
Implementation Method 4
The control system can determine a geometric surface map... and distance... based on the scattered light pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical system for visualizing, with a first imaging system, a first side of a tissue wall during performance of a surgical procedure is disclosed. The first imaging system is a thoracoscopic imaging system or a laparoscopic imaging system. The system is also configured for visualizing, with an endoscopic imaging system, a second, opposite side of the tissue wall during the performance of the surgical procedure. The first imaging system and the endoscopic imaging system are unable to directly visualize each other, and the first imaging system and the endoscopic imaging system are operatively coupled together for guiding a first surgical instrument based on the visualization provided by the first imaging system and the visualization provided by the endoscopic imaging system, and for guiding a second surgical instrument based on the visualization provided by the endoscopic imaging system and based on the visualization provided by the first imaging system.