Optical Probe for Port-Based Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical probes are not compatible with port-based surgery due to size limitations, sterilization issues, lack of signal enhancement mechanisms, integration with surgical tools, and position/orientation tracking, restricting their use in minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
Development of an optical probe that is attachable to surgical instruments, compatible with various optical modalities, including UV, NIR, and OCT, with signal-enhancing materials and position tracking capabilities, designed to fit within surgical ports and integrate with surgical tools, allowing for precise tissue characterization and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current optical probes are used, then optical measurements can be performed, but they are not compatible with port-based surgery due to size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe is divided into separate functional modules: a rigid shaft containing optical fibers, a flexible catheter portion for navigation, and a distal tip assembly with optical components. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for port-based surgery compatibility while maintaining full optical measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are nested within a flexible catheter structure, with the catheter containing the rigid shaft and optical components. This nested arrangement allows the probe to achieve a compact profile suitable for port insertion while maintaining the necessary optical path length and signal quality.
2Reliability
If current optical probes are used, then optical measurements can be performed, but sterilization tolerance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed with a disposable sterile shaft and catheter portion that can be sterilized using standard surgical methods (autoclaving, chemical sterilants, or radiation). The rigid shaft and optical components are designed to be sterilization-resistant, while the distal tip is covered with a sterile sheath that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization of sensitive optical components.
3Illumination intensity
If current optical probes are used, then optical measurements can be performed, but signal enhancing mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates composite optical components including wavelength-specific filters, beam splitters, and signal enhancement coatings on the optical fibers. The distal tip assembly includes a combination of transmissive and reflective optical elements that work together to enhance the signal from the tissue while maintaining the specific wavelength requirements for different optical modalities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current optical probes are used, then optical measurements can be performed, but integration with surgical tools is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a universal mounting interface that can be attached to various surgical tools and platforms, including robotic surgical systems, laparoscopic instruments, and endoscopic devices. The interface includes standardized connectors and attachment mechanisms that allow the same probe to be used with multiple different surgical tools without requiring tool-specific customization.
5Measurement precision
If current optical probes are used, then optical measurements can be performed, but position and orientation tracking are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The probe integrates optical tracking markers or reflective elements that serve as intermediaries between the mechanical position of the probe and the surgical navigation system. These markers can be detected by optical tracking cameras or magnetic field sensors, providing real-time position and orientation feedback without requiring complex integrated sensors within the probe itself.
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
Enables effective tissue characterization and differentiation during port-based surgery by providing enhanced optical signals and navigation, facilitating more accurate surgical decision-making and procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more illumination optical fibers configured to convey illumination light from the optical interface end to the illumination optics; and, one or more collection optical fibers configured to convey the optical signal collected by the collection optics to the optical interface end
Implementation Method 2
Optical lenses or lenslets may be used to control the solid angle of illumination and collection, as well as for focussing or collimation of either the illumination or collection light
Data Source
AI summary
Optical probes for port-based corridor surgery are provided, including a device comprising: a surgical tool mounting adaptor configured for mounting to a surgical tool; an optical probe attached to the surgical tool mounting adaptor, the optical probe comprising: an optical interface end; an optical output end, distal the optical interface end, the optical output end comprising illumination optics and collection optics, the illumination optics configured to illuminate tissue proximal the optical output end, the collection optics configured to collect an optical signal from the tissue; one or more illumination optical fibers configured to convey illumination light from the optical interface end to the illumination optics; and, one or more collection optical fibers configured to convey the optical signal collected by the collection optics to the optical interface end.