Parametric Torso Model for Surgical Port Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lack a standardized method to determine the anatomical reachability and optimal port placement, which hinders the efficient design and use of surgical tools.
Innovation Solution
A parametric, geometric patient torso model is developed, which accounts for the effects of insufflation on the torso. This model allows for the creation of a reachability map that determines permissible surgical port locations based on the tool's reach range and surgical target locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a subjective virtual reality simulation method is used to determine anatomical reachability, then the manufacturer can visualize whether a surgical tool can reach anatomy, but the manufacturer cannot specify objective pass/fail criteria or requirements for use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified geometric copy of the patient torso (elliptical cylinder model) that replicates the essential anatomical features needed for reachability assessment. This geometric model allows objective mathematical determination of whether tool paths intersect with anatomical targets, replacing subjective virtual reality simulation with quantifiable geometric analysis while maintaining the core functionality of assessing tool reachability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference patient sizes are created to account for patient variability, then the model becomes more adaptable to different patients, but the complexity of determining port placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parametric modeling where the elliptical cylinder dimensions (radii, lengths) are varied to represent different patient sizes. By changing these geometric parameters, the same mathematical framework can assess reachability for any patient size without requiring separate complex models for each patient type. This allows the system to adapt to patient variability while maintaining a unified, relatively simple determination process.
3Ease of manufacture
If a geometric model based on elliptical cylinder is used to represent patient torso, then the model can be created with simple mathematical equations, but the model may not capture complex anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by modeling only the essential geometric features of the torso (overall cylindrical shape, cross-sectional dimensions) that are sufficient for determining tool reachability and port placement. The model intentionally omits detailed anatomical structures (organs, muscles, vessels) that would complicate the model creation while not being necessary for the primary function of assessing whether tools can reach targets. This balances simplicity with sufficient accuracy for the intended purpose.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining surgical port placement for minimally invasive surgery. Based on received measurements, an instance of a parametric torso model that defines an external surface and a visceral surface each having a dome shape that takes into account an insufflation effect, is determined. Normalized surgical target locations in the parametric torso model are determined in response to an identification of a surgical procedure, and are mapped to un-normalized surgical target locations. Permissible port locations on the instance of the parametric torso model are computed, based on the characteristics of a surgical tool and based on the un-normalized surgical target locations. Other aspects are also described and claimed.