Optical Isolator Ring for Surgical Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for monitoring surgical site conditions during or after procedures face limitations due to sensor configuration and placement issues, which can lead to inaccurate data collection from disturbances and ambient lighting, potentially endangering tissue function and survival.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor device with light emitting sources and photo-detectors arranged in various configurations, including an optical isolator ring to reduce interference, and optionally integrated into inflatable sleeves or laparoscopic devices for precise tissue parameter monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensors are used without optical isolators, then the device structure is simpler, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to interference from ambient light and patient motion
Solution Approach 1:
An optical isolator ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and photo-detector. This optical isolator selectively transmits light while blocking ambient light and motion artifacts, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex sensor configurations or multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The optical isolator ring extracts and removes harmful interference (ambient light and motion artifacts) from the optical path, allowing the sensor to focus on detecting only the intended tissue optical properties. This extraction of interference enables accurate measurements even in the presence of disturbances
2Loss of time
If sensors are placed close to the surgical site for direct monitoring, then response time is faster, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to disturbances and ambient lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The optical isolator ring serves as a mediator that allows the sensor to be positioned close to the surgical site for rapid response while simultaneously filtering out ambient light and motion disturbances. This enables the sensor to maintain both fast response time and high measurement accuracy simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple sensors to improve accuracy, the patent employs a single sensor configuration enhanced by the optical isolator ring. The optical isolator acts as a mediator that improves the quality of light reaching the photo-detector, thereby achieving accurate measurements without requiring multiple sensors or complex sensor arrays
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 measurement accuracy by minimizing interference from ambient light and allowing for real-time monitoring of tissue conditions, such as oxygen saturation and vascularization, facilitating timely therapeutic responses.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting source and a light sensitive resistor on the other side. By monitoring the variations in resistance of the light sensitive resistor, the PPG can optically capture the pulsation and oxygen saturation of the arterial blood flow
Implementation Method 2
an optical isolator ring is placed around either the one or more light emitting sources or the one or more photo-detectors
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-operative sensor device for detecting tissue or body parameters includes one or more light emitting sources and one or more photo-detectors. An optical isolator ring may be placed around either the one or more light emitting sources or around the one or more photo-detectors. The intra-operative sensor device may be a stand alone device or may be operatively coupled into a surgical instrument, such as a laparoscopic device.