Portable Laparoscope Merging Imaging and Insufflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopes are confined to dedicated surgical environments due to their cumbersome setup requirements and inability to function effectively in unconventional settings, such as rural or combat zones, where access to sophisticated medical equipment is limited, especially in situations requiring immediate triage and diagnosis of internal injuries.
Innovation Solution
A portable laparoscope with a housing, elongated tube, integrated lighting source, image capture device, and display apparatus that can be used in unconventional environments, allowing for direct visualization of internal organs and transmission of images to remote displays, and capable of supporting an insufflator for gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laparoscopes are used with dedicated surgical environments and associated equipment, then imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image capture device, lighting source, display apparatus, and insufflator into a single integrated portable laparoscope system. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated surgical equipment and complex wiring harnesses, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining imaging quality while dramatically reducing setup complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The portable laparoscope is designed as a multi-functional device that can capture images, provide illumination, display results, and supply insufflation gas all through one unit. This universal design allows the device to function independently without requiring specialized surgical environment infrastructure, thus improving ease of operation while preserving diagnostic accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional laparoscopes are used in dedicated operating rooms, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but adaptability to unconventional environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system integrates all necessary functions (imaging, lighting, display, insufflation) into one self-contained unit that can operate independently of dedicated surgical infrastructure. This enables the device to be deployed in unconventional environments such as rural areas, combat zones, and field hospitals while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through its integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a segmented, modular portable system that can be deployed as a complete unit in locations lacking centralized surgical support infrastructure. This segmentation from the traditional centralized surgical environment enables adaptability to remote and unconventional settings while preserving diagnostic capabilities
3Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for laparoscopic procedures, then functional completeness is improved, but ease of operation and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image capture device, lighting source, display apparatus, and insufflator into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need to set up and coordinate multiple separate devices, directly reducing setup time and improving ease of operation while maintaining all necessary surgical functions
Solution Approach 2:
The portable laparoscope is designed as a self-service system where the display apparatus is integrated into the housing and powered by an internal power source. The device can operate autonomously without requiring connection to external power sources or support infrastructure, enabling rapid deployment and simplifying operation in field conditions
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 laparoscopic imaging in non-traditional settings, providing accurate visualization of internal injuries and facilitating timely treatment decisions, even in areas lacking advanced medical equipment, thus improving diagnostic fidelity and treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A lighting source and an image capture device are disposed proximate to an end of the elongated tube opposite the housing. The image capture device is configured to capture an image in a viewing area that is illuminated by light provided by the lighting source.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable laparoscope is disclosed. In implementations, the portable laparoscope includes a housing and an elongated tube coupled to the housing. A lighting source and a camera are disposed proximate to an end of the elongated tube opposite the housing. The camera is configured to capture an image in a viewing area that is illuminated by light provided by the lighting source. The portable laparoscope includes an image display apparatus configured to display the images acquired by the camera and/or to transmit the images to a remote display device. The housing may be configured to hold and position an insufflator.