Orientable Tip Medical Device for Robotic Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical robotic systems face challenges in ensuring sufficient cutting force and dexterity for surgical tasks, particularly in endoluminal devices with integrated surgical instruments and image capturing devices, which can be difficult to master and may interfere with camera views during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an orientable tip and a multi-lumen catheter system that allows for precise robotic manipulation of a laser beam and biomaterial application, enabling controlled cutting and tissue sealing without the need for large forces, integrated with a medical robotic system to enhance surgical precision and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are integrated into endoluminal devices with image capturing devices, then the device can perform multiple functions through a single incision, but the surgical instruments may not generate sufficient cutting force or adequate dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into separate functional modules: a cutting element (blade or laser), a grasping element, and an image capturing device. Each module can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific function, allowing the system to achieve both multi-functionality and sufficient cutting force through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The endoluminal device integrates multiple surgical functions (cutting, grasping, imaging, biomaterial application) into a single instrument platform, allowing one device to perform multiple surgical tasks that traditionally required separate instruments, thereby achieving versatility without sacrificing individual function performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are integrated into endoluminal devices, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the manipulation may be difficult to master for users
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of manipulation characteristics, such as variable stiffness in the manipulator arms and adjustable degrees of freedom, enabling the system to adapt to different surgical tasks and user skill levels, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated image capturing device provides real-time visual feedback to the operator, while force sensors and position encoders provide tactile and positional feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that makes the complex multi-functional instrument easier to master through enhanced operator awareness and control precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device integrates surgical instruments and image capturing device, then it can perform procedures through single incision, but the instruments may interfere with camera views
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument design positions the image capturing device in a separate spatial dimension relative to the surgical working channels, allowing the camera to view the surgical site from an angle that does not obstruct the surgical instruments' paths, thereby maintaining both integrated procedure capability and clear camera views
Solution Approach 2:
The image capturing device is nested within or alongside the surgical instrument shaft, with both components sharing the same entry incision but occupying different spatial positions, allowing them to pass through the same access point without interfering with each other's function or view
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 solution provides a medical device that can accurately and easily perform surgical tasks with reduced recovery time and minimal interference with camera views, improving the usability and effectiveness of medical robotic systems in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
robotically directing a laser beam to a surgical site within a patient so as to cut tissue at the surgical site
Implementation Method 2
applying a mixture of first and second biomaterials to a non-cut portion of the target tissue so as to seal the non-cut portion of the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be robotically directed towards a target tissue for laser and/or biomaterial application as part of a medical procedure performed at a surgical site within a patient. A protective sheath covers the fiber as it extends through the conduit and tip. A first coupler adjustably secures at least the sheath to the medical device and a second coupler adjustably secures the fiber to at least the sheath. A similar dual coupler mechanism may be used to secure the sheathed catheter to the medical device.