Robotic Eye Lubrication Assembly for Ophthalmic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual lubrication of a patient's eye during ophthalmic procedures is inefficient, obstructs the surgeon's view, and can lead to improper lubrication, increasing the cost and discomfort of the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication assembly integrated with a robotic arm, which includes a mounting bar, a lubrication source, a cable for lubricant delivery, and a camera for precise positioning and real-time monitoring, allowing for automated and controlled lubrication of the patient's eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lubrication is performed by a nurse using a dropper, then the surgeon can receive lubrication assistance, but the surgeon's view of the patient is temporarily blocked and the procedure efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic lubrication system performs lubrication automatically without requiring the surgeon or nurse to manually apply drops. The system self-monitors lubrication levels via camera and self-executes precise lubrication delivery, eliminating the need for human intervention that blocks the surgical view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical dropper system with an automated robotic system that uses a fine nozzle for precise lubricant delivery. This substitution eliminates the need for a nurse to physically approach and manually apply lubrication, thereby maintaining unobstructed surgical visualization.
2Ease of operation
If manual lubrication is performed by a nurse, then lubrication can be applied to the patient's eye, but the amount and placement may be improper leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system replaces manual dropper application with automated precise delivery through a fine nozzle. The system controls the exact amount and placement of lubricant based on real-time camera monitoring, eliminating the imprecision of manual application that leads to waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the patient's eye condition via camera and uses this feedback to determine when and where lubrication is needed. This closed-loop control ensures lubricant is applied only when necessary and in the correct amount and location, preventing waste from over-lubrication or misplaced application.
3Ease of operation
If constant monitoring of lubrication state is performed manually, then the patient's comfort can be maintained, but too much time elapses between lubrication applications
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system provides continuous monitoring of the patient's eye via camera throughout the surgical procedure, rather than periodic manual checks. This continuous observation ensures lubrication is applied immediately when needed, eliminating delays and maintaining optimal patient comfort without interrupting the surgical flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual assessment by the surgeon or nurse with automated image analysis via camera. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring without taking the surgeon's attention away from the procedure, thereby reducing the time elapsed between lubrication applications.
4Ease of operation
If excessive lubrication is applied manually, then the patient's eye is well-lubricated, but the surgeon's view is obscured at critical points
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time camera feedback to monitor the patient's eye condition and immediately stops or reduces lubrication delivery when sufficient lubrication is achieved. This prevents over-lubrication that would cause excessive runoff and obscure the surgical view, maintaining both patient comfort and visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated robotic system with fine nozzle replaces manual dropper application, providing precise control over lubricant delivery. This precision engineering allows the system to apply exactly the right amount needed for patient comfort without creating excessive runoff that would block the surgeon's view.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for assisting a surgeon performing an ophthalmic procedure on an eye of a patient, the system including a lubrication assembly. The lubrication assembly may be disposed on a proximal end of a robotic arm, a proximal end of a surgical microscope, or a proximal end of a mobile stand or frame. Dispersal of lubricant from the lubrication assembly may be upon receipt of a direct input from a surgeon, according to a predetermined schedule, or according to an image processing protocol. The lubrication assembly may be moved into position over the eye of the patient manually by the surgeon or through the indirect command of a motion controller which is operable to move the robotic arm or the surgical microscope so as to extend the lubrication assembly into a desired position.