Remote Surgical Control Interface for RF Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency ablation surgical devices require surgeons to divert attention from the procedure to adjust parameters, lacking a system for pre-operative adjustments that allow focus on the surgical steps during intervention, with limited assistance from virtual images for orientation.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system for radio frequency ablation devices featuring a graphical user interface that allows surgeons to navigate and adjust parameters such as temperature and power levels before and during the procedure, maintaining sterility and enabling focus on surgical steps through a virtual interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgeons directly control parameters through buttons on the RF power generator during surgery, then parameter adjustment is immediate and simple, but surgeon attention is diverted from the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows surgeons to pre-configure ablation parameters (temperature, power, duration) before the surgical procedure begins. These parameters are stored and automatically applied during the procedure, eliminating the need for real-time adjustment and keeping the surgeon focused on the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote control interface acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the RF power generator. This interface can be positioned away from the surgical site, allowing parameter control without requiring the surgeon to leave the operative field or divert attention from the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control buttons are placed on the RF power generator for parameter adjustment, then control functionality is comprehensive, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into separate functional modules: pre-operative parameter configuration, real-time monitoring, and emergency control. This segmentation allows comprehensive control functionality while organizing the interface in a structured, manageable way that reduces perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system serves multiple functions: parameter presetting, real-time monitoring, adjustment, and emergency shutdown. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single unified interface, the system reduces the need for multiple separate control devices and simplifies the overall control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons adjust parameters during the surgical procedure, then real-time adaptability is achieved, but the risk of contamination to the sterile field increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control interface positioned outside the sterile field acts as an intermediary, allowing surgeons to adjust parameters without physically entering or contaminating the sterile operative area. The interface transmits control signals electronically while maintaining physical separation from the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system creates a duplicate interface that mirrors the functionality of the primary RF power generator controls. This copy allows full parameter adjustment capability to be accessed from a non-sterile location, eliminating the need for physical presence at the generator during surgery.
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 surgeons to focus on the surgical process by allowing pre-operative adjustments and real-time monitoring of parameters through a graphical user interface, improving operational efficiency and maintaining sterility during radio frequency ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
remote control of a source of radio frequency (RF) energy coupled to an ablation probe during a surgical procedure
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention provides a system for remote control of a surgical device, comprising a first imaging device of a first type having a first image output. The first imaging device is positioned to image an area being subject to surgery. A second imaging device of a second type has a second image output. The second imaging device is positioned to image the area being subjected to surgery. A computer is coupled to receive the first and second image outputs and merge the first and second image outputs into a unitary image output representing a unitary image. Software, resident in the computer generates a graphic user interface including a menu and submenu items. A surgical device is coupled to the computer. Software, resident in said computer, receives and displays information received from the surgical device and/ or controls the operation of the surgical device.