Surgical Retractor Camera Integration for Small-Incision Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges with limited visualization and workspace due to small incisions, leading to restricted surgeon view and access, necessitating improved visualization systems.
Innovation Solution
A surgical retractor equipped with inward-facing cameras and an image processing module that displays images from multiple cameras for simultaneous viewing, enhancing visualization and access to surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgical techniques are used with small incisions, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but surgeon visualization and workspace access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras (including endoscopic, laparoscopic, and microscope cameras) with the retractor system to create an integrated visualization platform. This merging allows comprehensive surgical site viewing through the small incision while maintaining minimally invasive benefits, resolving the contradiction between reduced patient trauma and adequate surgeon visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple viewing dimensions by incorporating cameras at different positions and angles on the retractor blades. This multi-dimensional visualization approach provides comprehensive surgical site observation through the limited incision access, overcoming the two-dimensional limitation of traditional single-camera systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small incisions are used for minimally invasive surgery, then patient trauma is reduced, but workspace access and surgical tool manipulation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into multiple segmented blades that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the creation of a customized working space through the small incision, accommodating multiple surgical tools while maintaining minimally invasive access and improving surgical maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor blades are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing real-time reconfiguration of the working space during surgery. This dynamic adaptability enables optimal tool access and manipulation through the limited incision opening while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are integrated on the retractor, then surgical site visualization is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is designed as a multi-functional platform that integrates multiple camera types (endoscopic, laparoscopic, microscope) into a single unified system. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple visualization functions, reducing the need for separate equipment and managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.