Proximal Camera Surgical Tool for Brain Cannula Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical visualization systems with cameras mounted on the distal end of surgical tools are unsuitable for brain surgeries due to the lack of empty space, causing tissue disruption and limited visibility, especially when twisting and longitudinal translation are required.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with a camera assembly mounted at the proximal end, utilizing a light guide for illumination and a rotatable reflector mount to align the viewing axis with the tool's long axis, allowing the camera to remain outside the body and provide clear images of the surgical workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on the distal end of the surgical tool, then the camera can be positioned within the surgical workspace, but this causes tissue disruption and limited visibility in brain surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional camera mounting position by placing the camera assembly at the proximal end of the surgical tool rather than the distal end. This inversion allows the camera to remain outside the body while still capturing images of the surgical workspace through the tool shaft, eliminating tissue disruption caused by distal camera mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary to transmit illumination from the proximal camera assembly to the distal surgical workspace. This intermediary system enables optical communication across the tool shaft, allowing the camera to be positioned proximally while still visualizing the distal workspace without requiring the camera itself to be embedded in tissue.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on the distal end of the surgical tool, then visualization is provided within the body, but twisting and longitudinal translation disrupts brain tissue pressing against the tool
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the camera mounting position to the proximal end, the patent eliminates the need for the camera to be pressed against brain tissue. The camera remains outside the body while capturing images through the tool shaft, allowing the surgeon to twist and translate the tool for manipulation without tissue interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into separate components: the camera assembly at the proximal end, the light guide extending through the tool shaft, and the imaging sensor positioned to capture light from the workspace. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and eliminates the need for the camera to be embedded in tissue.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a proximal camera assembly is used, then the camera remains outside the body, but illumination must be transmitted through the tool shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a light guide as an intermediary to transmit illumination from the proximal camera assembly through the tool shaft to the distal surgical workspace. This optical intermediary enables the camera to remain outside the body while still providing adequate lighting for visualization, managing the complexity through a well-established optical transmission medium.
4Ease of manufacture
If the camera assembly geometry is standardized, then manufacturing is simplified, but the viewing axis must be precisely aligned with the tool axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable reflector mount that is pre-aligned during manufacturing to direct light from the camera assembly along the tool shaft axis. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the camera remains stationary during surgery, the viewing axis is automatically correctly oriented, simplifying both manufacturing and intraoperative use while maintaining precision.
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 visualization of the surgical workspace in the brain without disrupting tissue, facilitating precise surgical maneuvers by maintaining clear visibility and reducing tissue interference.
Implementation Method 1
Illumination is provided through a light guide (a cylindrical light guide or optical fiber bundle) which terminates proximal to the distal tip of the tool
Implementation Method 2
The camera assembly is aimed to intersect the long axis of the tube near the distal tip
Data Source
AI summary
The devices and methods for visualization of a surgical workspace in the brain while using a surgical tool such an aspirator. A tool is fitted with a camera assembly, at a position at the proximal end of an insertion portion and distal tip of the tool. Illumination is provided through a light guide (a cylindrical light guide or bundle of optical fibers) which terminates proximal to the distal tip of the tool. The camera assembly is aimed to intersect the long axis of the tube near the distal tip. The camera is disposed on the proximal end of the tool such as it resides outside the body when the tool tip is disposed in the surgical workspace, while providing images of tissue in the workspace while a surgeon manipulates the tool within the surgical workspace.