Surgical Retractor Optics With Composite Imaging for Small Incisions
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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, allowing enhanced visualization of the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If minimally invasive surgical techniques are used with small incisions, then patient recovery time and complications are reduced, but surgeon visualization and workspace access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visualization systems (endoscopes, laparoscopes, microscopes) with an optical system consisting of multiple cameras mounted on the retractor. This substitution allows direct visualization through the small incision without requiring complex inserted visualization devices, thereby maintaining minimally invasive benefits while improving surgeon view and workspace access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the visualization function into multiple separate cameras positioned at different locations on the retractor blades. Each camera captures a specific view (surgical site, workspace, instrument access), and the combined images provide comprehensive visualization. This segmentation allows simultaneous viewing of multiple critical areas without requiring a single complex visualization device.
2Ease of operation
If multiple cameras are integrated on the retractor, then surgical site visualization is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cameras and their support structures into a single integrated retractor assembly. The cameras are mounted directly on the retractor blades, merging the retraction function with the visualization function into one unified device. This integration eliminates the need for separate visualization equipment and simplifies the overall surgical setup despite the presence of multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: tissue retraction, workspace stabilization, and multi-angle visualization. By incorporating cameras directly on the retractor blades, the device becomes universal, serving both mechanical and optical purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices and simplifies the surgical system.
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.