Electrosurgical Energy Interface for Robotic Tool Activation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In robotic surgical systems, it is challenging for surgeons to accurately control electrosurgical tools due to difficulties in visually confirming the application of energy to tissue, which can lead to inadvertent tissue damage from mis-positioned foot pedals or confusion about energized tools, especially with multiple instruments in use.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable integrated user interface controller that maps user input devices to remote controlled equipment, reads tool and equipment information, and selectively controls robotic surgical tools, providing enhanced feedback and control through graphical user interfaces and smart cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a surgeon uses multiple electrosurgical tools simultaneously, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the risk of inadvertent tissue damage increases due to confusion about which tool is being energized
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying icons on a graphical user interface that indicate which electrosurgical tool is currently being energized. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to confirm the correct tool is receiving energy before and during tissue contact, preventing inadvertent damage while maintaining the ability to use multiple tools simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the foot pedals and the multiple electrosurgical tools. It receives input from the foot pedal and uses mapping logic to determine which tool should be energized based on the currently active tool, thereby mediating the energy distribution to prevent confusion and accidental activation of the wrong tool
2Manufacturing precision
If a surgeon focuses concentration on the display device to perform surgery, then surgical precision is improved, but the ability to monitor foot position and prevent mis-application of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback on the display device itself, showing icons that indicate which tool is currently active and receiving energy. This allows the surgeon to maintain focus on the surgical field while simultaneously monitoring energy application status without needing to shift attention to foot position
Solution Approach 2:
The system prevents mis-application of energy before it can occur by providing advance warning through visual indicators. The surgeon sees which tool is about to be energized and can prevent accidental contact with tissue by the wrong tool, rather than relying on post-error detection
3Ease of operation
If foot pedals are positioned for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of mis-positioning foot over incorrect pedal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that interprets foot pedal input and maps it to the correct electrosurgical tool based on the currently active tool. This mediation eliminates the need for the surgeon to precisely distinguish between multiple pedals, as the system handles the mapping and tool selection
Solution Approach 2:
The foot pedal is designed to serve multiple functions by controlling different electrosurgical tools depending on which tool is currently active. Rather than requiring separate pedals for each tool, a single pedal can universally control multiple tools in sequence, reducing the risk of mis-positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a surgical system can include a display configured to output video images of a remote surgical site at which one or more electrosurgical instruments of the surgical system are deployed; and a graphical user interface configured to be output on the display with the video images. The graphical user interface may comprise a visual indication of a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments that indicates a state of the one or more electrosurgical instruments being ready for activation to deliver energy or actively delivering energy.