Optical Fiber Light Pattern for Surgical Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in discerning tissue and tool surface features due to uniform tissue color or smoothness, and the limited space for projecting structured light within endoscopic cameras.
Innovation Solution
A teleoperated surgical system that uses an optical fiber to emit light in a circular conical pattern, allowing for the creation of a stereographic view and enabling the production of a tissue surface depth map, which helps in determining the distance and position of surgical instruments relative to the tissue surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light is projected to discern contours and depth, then depth perception is improved, but space for projecting structured light is extremely limited within endoscopic camera
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transmit light from a distant light source to the distal end of the surgical instrument. This allows the light source to be positioned outside the limited endoscopic camera space while still illuminating the tissue surface, effectively resolving the space constraint problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from projecting structured light directly within the constrained endoscopic camera volume to using an optical fiber to deliver light along the length of the surgical instrument. This dimensional extension allows light projection in a different spatial dimension (along the instrument shaft) rather than within the camera's limited field of view.
2Measurement precision
If light is projected onto tissue surface, then depth information is obtained, but uniform tissue color or smoothness makes surface features difficult to visually discern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a light source that emits light at a wavelength different from the natural tissue color (such as blue or green light on pinkish tissue). This wavelength contrast enhances the visibility of surface features and contours by creating optical contrast that overcomes the uniformity problem of natural tissue appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as a mediator that delivers structured light patterns to the tissue surface, creating artificial contrast features that stand out against the uniform tissue background. The fiber optic delivery system enables controlled illumination patterns that enhance surface feature detection.
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
This solution enhances the ability to visualize and maneuver surgical instruments within minimally invasive procedures by providing clear depth perception and distance information, improving precision and reducing the risk of tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
An optical fiber is mounted to the surgical instrument to emit light from its first end. A light source is disposed to impart the light to the second end of the optical fiber at an angle within an acceptance angle of the optical fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A teleoperated surgical system is provided that comprises a support arm; a surgical instrument, moveably mounted to the support arm, including a housing a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and having an end effector at the distal end portion thereof; an actuator to impart movement to the surgical instrument; an optical fiber, including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, mounted to the surgical instrument to emit first light from its distal end at the distal end portion of the surgical instrument; and a light source disposed to impart the first light to the proximal end of the optical fiber at a first angle within an acceptance angle of the optical fiber.