Optical Cannula with Parallel Channels for Surgical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques face limitations in visualizing the operative field due to optical components being easily covered and restricted in movement, hindering the surgeon's ability to reposition optics and view the surgical site effectively.
Innovation Solution
An intervertebral disc surgical system incorporating an optical cannula with parallel working and optical channels, an outer sheath, a tapered dilator, and an optical channel plug, allowing for improved visibility and repositioning of optical scopes within the operative field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical components are used to provide visibility into the operative field, then the surgeon's ability to view the surgical site is improved, but the optical components become covered in materials and restricted in movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into separate functional channels: a working channel for surgical instruments and an optical channel for visualization. This segmentation allows the optical components to be independently positioned and moved without being constrained by the surgical instruments, resolving the contradiction between providing visibility and enabling repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second dimension of movement by allowing the optical scope to be independently positioned within the optical channel, separate from the surgical instruments in the working channel. This dimensional independence enables the optical components to be repositioned freely to view different angles of the operative field without being covered or constrained by surgical materials.
2Measurement precision
If optical components are used to visualize the operative field, then surgical precision is improved, but the optical components are limited in movement and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the optical channel from the working channel, the system allows optical components to be independently positioned and repositioned to view different aspects of the operative field. This segmentation provides surgical precision through dedicated optical visualization while maintaining adaptability through independent movement of the optical scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical channel is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the optical scope to be moved to different positions within the channel during surgery. This dynamic capability enables the surgeon to reposition the optics to view different angles and aspects of the operative field, enhancing both surgical precision and adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a single channel is used for both working and optical components, then device complexity is reduced, but optical components become covered and visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is segmented into separate working and optical channels, preventing optical components from being covered by surgical materials. While this increases structural complexity, it ensures reliable optical visibility throughout the surgical procedure by maintaining a clear, dedicated pathway for the optical scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate optical channel acts as an intermediary pathway that protects optical components from direct contact with surgical materials. This intermediary structure ensures that the optical components remain clear and visible while allowing the working channel to accommodate surgical instruments without interfering with optical visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An intervertebral disc surgical system has at least one optical cannula configured with a working channel and an optical channel, wherein the working channel and the optical channel are positioned parallel to one another. The working channel is configured to receive the elongated tubular member of an electrosurgical instrument and the optical channel is configured to receive an optical scope. The optical cannula has an optical cannula operative end for entering an operative field of a patient.