Otology Visualization Lens Assembly for Binocular Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visualization techniques for the middle and inner ear, such as endoscope use, require manual operation and hinder binocular viewing, making it difficult to assess depth and potentially damaging delicate structures due to the need for one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical microscope system combined with a stereoscopic inverter lens and a distal lens, allowing binocular viewing and hands-free operation, which can be positioned externally or internally to facilitate indirect visualization through the tympanic membrane, and includes features like prisms, zoom lenses, and stabilization arms for enhanced visualization and treatment access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an endoscope is used for visualization, then wide angle viewing into the middle ear is achieved, but binocular viewing capability is lost and depth assessment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the visualization function into two separate optical paths - one for wide angle viewing and another for depth perception, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference. The endoscope provides wide angle view while the surgical microscope provides stereoscopic depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized lens system acts as an intermediary between the endoscope and the surgical microscope, coupling the endoscope's wide angle view with the microscope's binocular optical path. This intermediary lens assembly transfers and adapts the endoscopic image while preserving stereoscopic capability.
2Area of stationary object
If an endoscope is used for visualization, then wide angle viewing is achieved, but surgical precision may be compromised due to difficulty in assessing depth
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of two different visualization approaches - the wide angle capability of endoscopy with the depth perception and precision of surgical microscopy. The combined system allows the surgeon to maintain both hands free while achieving comprehensive visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical microscope system is adapted to serve multiple functions - it can visualize through the endoscope for wide angle viewing while simultaneously providing stereoscopic depth perception, effectively making it a multi-functional visualization system that handles both exploration and precision work.
3Loss of information
If an endoscope is used, then visualization capability is improved, but one of the surgeon's hands must be operated, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured to be self-contained and self-operating in terms of visualization - once the endoscope is positioned and the optical coupling is established, the system automatically provides continuous wide angle viewing and depth perception without requiring the surgeon to manually adjust or operate the endoscope during the procedure.
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 binocular viewing with hands-free operation, allowing precise visualization and minimally invasive treatment of ear disorders, reducing recovery time, patient discomfort, and treatment costs while maintaining high resolution and depth of focus.
Implementation Method 1
the distal lens can be an assembly combining two or more lenses... light fibers can be used to transmit images
Implementation Method 2
a surgical microscope is used in conjunction with an inverter lens (which can include one or more lenses) and a distal lens
Implementation Method 3
in some cases wide angle lenses, zoom lenses, lenses of various shapes, and/or prisms can be used in the distal lens
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods can be employed to facilitate indirect viewing into cavities such as, but not limited to, the middle ear space. Some embodiments have uses such as, but not limited to, facilitating visualization and procedures in the outer, middle, and/or inner ear in order to diagnose and/or treat disorders including, but not limited to, hearing loss and other ear disorders. In particular implementations, a surgical microscope is used in conjunction with an inverter lens and a distal lens. In some cases, the distal lens transverses a membrane or septum such as, but not limited to, the tympanic membrane. The distal lens can be an assembly combining two or more lenses, in some embodiments. For example, in some cases wide angle lenses, zoom lenses, lenses of other various shapes and/or prisms can be used in the distal lens.