Robotic Eye Surgery Imaging Alignment for Precise Tool Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eye surgery techniques face challenges in simultaneous handling of multiple surgical instruments and imaging systems, leading to unwanted movements and reduced precision due to hand tremors and sudden movements, which can be dangerous given the small surgical area dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device incorporating a robotic mobile element and depth imaging tool, controlled by a control unit, to align the position of the surgical tool with the imaging system's cutting axes, reducing the need for manual manipulation and enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the surgeon manually manipulates multiple surgical tools and imaging systems simultaneously, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the precision and stability of tool positioning deteriorate due to hand tremors and sudden movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual manipulation of surgical toolsVSAvoidpositioning precision of surgical tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system with an automated robotic manipulation system. The robotic element is controlled by a control unit that receives signals from imaging systems (OCT, microscope) and automatically adjusts the surgical tool position, eliminating hand tremors and sudden movements while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the imaging systems to automatically control the robotic manipulation of surgical tools. The control unit processes imaging data and autonomously adjusts tool positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining precise alignment between imaging fields and surgical tool tips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the surgeon uses both hands to manipulate two surgical tools, then dual-tool surgery can be performed, but the ability to adjust imaging systems deteriorates as only feet are available for such adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual surgical tool manipulationVSAvoidadjustment of imaging systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual foot-based control of imaging systems with automated electronic control. The control unit automatically adjusts imaging system parameters based on processed imaging data, eliminating the need for foot-based mechanical adjustments and freeing all body parts for surgical tool manipulation while maintaining full imaging system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the OCT cutting axis is manually adjusted to follow the surgical tool tip, then the surgical area can be continuously visualized, but the complexity of simultaneous control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous visualization of surgical areaVSAvoidsimultaneous control of multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple devices into a single integrated control unit. The control unit receives signals from both the OCT imager and microscope, processes their combined data, and coordinates the robotic manipulation of surgical tools, thereby simplifying simultaneous control while maintaining reliable continuous visualization of the surgical area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it processes OCT imaging data, processes microscope imaging data, controls the robotic manipulation of surgical tools, and coordinates the adjustment of imaging fields. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall system complexity despite the high reliability requirements for continuous visualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12508157B2Medical device for eye surgery

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ACUSURGICAL

AI summary

A control unit for a surgical device, said surgical device (2) comprising:at least one surgical tool comprising an end, called distal, adapted to come into contact with a patient (5), and adapted to be positioned in the patient (5),at least one robotic mobile element (7) on which the surgical tool is mounted, the robotic mobile element (7) being adapted to move said surgical tool,at least one depth imaging tool (8) adapted to acquire a depth image (22) at an acquisition area on the patient (5), said imaging tool (8) being adapted to move the acquisition area on the patient (5), said control unit (1) being adapted to send information to the at least one robotic mobile element (7) and/or the imaging tool (8) so that the position of the acquisition area substantially coincides with the position of the distal end of the surgical tool.