Adaptive Energy Treatment Instrument Using Optical Flow Tension Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy treatment systems for medical instruments face challenges in effectively managing tension on treatment targets during procedures, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes due to variations in grasping force and tissue movement.
Innovation Solution
A treatment system with a processor that uses optical flow analysis to determine tension on a treatment target and switch between different actuation modes for the energy treatment instrument, adjusting the grasping force and energy output accordingly, ensuring consistent treatment energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy treatment instrument uses a fixed actuation mode, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment consistency deteriorates when tension varies on the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second actuation modes based on real-time optical flow analysis of tissue movement. The processor continuously monitors the treatment target and adjusts the actuation mode accordingly, transforming a static fixed-mode system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing tension conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using the observation element to detect tissue movement, analyzing optical flow to determine tension state, and using this information to automatically switch between actuation modes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures treatment consistency by adapting to real-time changes in tissue tension.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grasping force is increased to reduce tissue movement, then the treatment stability is improved, but the tissue damage increases due to excessive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping force is dynamically adjusted by switching between actuation modes based on real-time tissue movement detection. When tissue movement exceeds thresholds, the system transitions to a second mode with modified energy application parameters that maintain stability without requiring excessive grasping force, thereby preventing compression damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including energy output levels and actuation characteristics when switching between modes. This allows the system to maintain effective treatment while reducing grasping force by adjusting energy delivery parameters rather than relying solely on mechanical compression.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuation mode is switched frequently to adapt to tension changes, then the treatment adaptability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from optical flow analysis to automatically determine when mode switching is necessary. By continuously monitoring tissue movement and comparing it against predefined thresholds, the system intelligently switches modes only when needed, balancing adaptability with controlled complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
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
The system ensures consistent and effective treatment by adapting energy output and grasping force based on tension detection, improving treatment performance and maintaining sealing quality even when tension is exerted on the target.
Implementation Method 1
a processor configured to create an optical flow of the treatment target observed by the observation element, and configured to switch an actuation state of the energy treatment instrument based on the optical flow
Implementation Method 2
When electric energy is supplied to both electrodes, a high-frequency current flows between the electrodes through the grasped treatment target. The high-frequency current is thereby applied as treatment energy to the treatment target
Data Source
AI summary
In a treatment system, an energy treatment instrument includes a pair of grasping pieces closing with respect to each other. An energy output source outputs electric energy to the energy treatment instrument, thereby applying treatment energy to a treatment target grasped between the grasping pieces. A processor creates an optical flow of the treatment target observed by an observation element, and switches an actuation state of the energy treatment instrument between a first mode for treating the treatment target and a second mode for treating the treatment target that is different from the first mode, based on the optical flow.