Robotic Arm Coordination for Concomitant Flexible and Rigid Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures often require multiple robotic arms to manipulate both flexible and rigid instruments, but existing systems lack efficient integration and coordination, leading to operational challenges and cluttered operating environments.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with two robotic arms, one for each instrument type, integrated with a display to provide simultaneous feedback and control, allowing for coordinated manipulation of flexible and rigid instruments through natural orifices and incisions, with a modular design for sterilization and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple healthcare providers perform concomitant procedures separately, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but clinical workflow interruptions increase and patient recovery time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple medical procedures (endoscopic and laparoscopic) into a single concomitant procedure performed by one surgeon using a robotic system with multiple robotic arms. This merging eliminates the need for separate treatment episodes, reducing patient recovery time while maintaining comprehensive treatment through coordinated manipulation of flexible and rigid instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures simultaneously. The system includes robotic arms configured to manipulate different types of instruments (flexible endoscopic instruments and rigid laparoscopic instruments) through a single console, enabling one surgeon to accomplish what previously required multiple providers and separate procedures.
2Reliability
If multiple healthcare providers perform concomitant procedures, then complete surgical coverage is achieved, but device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple healthcare providers into a single robotic system controlled by one surgeon. The robotic system integrates multiple robotic arms, each capable of manipulating different instruments, into a unified platform with a single console, eliminating the coordination complexity between multiple human providers while maintaining complete surgical coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's intentions and the manipulation of multiple instruments. The system includes a controller that receives input from the surgeon and automatically coordinates the movements of multiple robotic arms and instruments, reducing the cognitive and coordination burden on the surgeon while ensuring precise and synchronized operation of all surgical tools.
3Reliability
If separate treatment episodes are used for different procedures, then procedure quality is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple procedures into a single concomitant procedure performed during one treatment episode. The robotic system enables simultaneous or coordinated performance of endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, maintaining high procedure quality through precise robotic control while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate treatment episodes and reducing overall treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system enables continuous useful action by performing multiple procedures without interruption during a single treatment episode. The system can switch between and coordinate different instruments and procedures seamlessly, maintaining high-quality surgical standards while maximizing treatment efficiency and reducing the total time patients spend undergoing separate procedures.
4Productivity
If a single user controls multiple instruments, then workflow continuity is improved, but control precision and manipulation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system serves as an intermediary that simplifies the control of multiple instruments for a single surgeon. The system includes a unified console that provides intuitive control interfaces for manipulating multiple robotic arms and instruments simultaneously. The robotic controller automatically handles complex coordination tasks, allowing the surgeon to maintain workflow continuity while the system manages the precision and complexity of controlling multiple instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of multiple instruments with an automated robotic system. The robotic arms and instruments are controlled through electronic interfaces and computer algorithms rather than direct manual manipulation, reducing the physical and cognitive burden on the surgeon while maintaining precise control. The system can automatically coordinate movements and switch between instruments based on surgical needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Robotic medical systems may perform concomitant procedures. A robotic system can include a first robotic arm configured to manipulate a flexible instrument and a second robotic arm configured to manipulate a rigid instrument. The robotic system can include a first arm support for supporting the first robotic arm and a second arm support, distinct from the first arm support, for supporting the second robotic arm. The robotic system can include a display for displaying feedback from the flexible instrument and the rigid instrument.