Robotic Medical System Using Electrical Feedback for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems used in surgery lack reliability and safety due to inaccuracies in positioning medical devices relative to anatomical structures, often requiring harmful radiation for precise navigation, which poses health risks to patients and medical staff.
Innovation Solution
A medical system that includes a medical device with electrodes to emit a warning signal based on electrical characteristics of the anatomical structure, allowing for feedback-controlled movement of a robotic arm to ensure precise positioning without the need for precise pre-operative imaging, reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a navigation system with tracking device and display device is used to control medical device movement, then the position can be displayed on the display device superimposed on a representation of the anatomical structure, but the system does not provide information on the actual position of the medical device relative to the anatomical structure, leading to offset between displayed and actual position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the warning signal from the medical device (based on electrical characteristic measurements) is continuously monitored and fed back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the robotic arm's movement in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring the medical device reaches the intended target position accurately. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the offset problem between displayed and actual position by continuously correcting deviations.
2Measurement precision
If a navigation device providing very precise representation of the anatomical structure is used, then the representation can be obtained by acquiring a large number of images, but this exposes the patient and medical staff to significant amounts of harmful radiation such as X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray-based imaging navigation system with an electrical measurement-based navigation system. Instead of using harmful ionizing radiation (X-rays) to obtain anatomical structure information, the system uses electrodes to measure electrical characteristics (impedance, conductivity) of tissues. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure while providing sufficient information for accurate medical device positioning through real-time electrical property measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radiological properties (X-ray absorption) to electrical properties (impedance, conductivity). By measuring electrical characteristics of different anatomical structures and tissues, the system obtains navigation information without radiation. The warning signal varies as a function of these electrical parameters, enabling precise positioning through electrical rather than radiological measurements.
3Ease of operation
If the medical device is moved manually during surgical procedure, then the surgeon can perform gestures, but the precision of the gesture is limited and there is risk of damage to sensitive tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surgeon's manual control capability with robotic arm precision. The robotic arm is configured to follow the surgeon's manual gestures while the control unit continuously monitors the warning signal from the medical device. When the medical device approaches the target position or sensitive areas, the robotic arm automatically adjusts the movement to maintain precise positioning. This combination preserves surgeon maneuverability while achieving high gesture precision through robotic assistance and automated control based on electrical characteristic feedback.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the reliability and safety of surgical procedures by providing real-time feedback for precise device positioning, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive tissues and minimizing exposure to harmful radiation.
Implementation Method 1
anatomical structure comprising different mediums and having an electrical characteristic which varies as a function of the capacities of the mediums to conduct electric current
Implementation Method 2
processing device connected to the electric generator and to the first and second electrodes and suitable for determining a measurement parameter related to the electrical characteristic based on said at least one measurement electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system comprising: a robotic arm, a control unit configured to issue a control signal, a medical device intended to penetrate an anatomical structure, the medical device being configured to emit a warning signal which varies as a function of a variable electrical characteristic of the anatomical structure, said medical device comprising a body with first and second electrodes, an electric generator suitable for applying at least one measurement electric current between the first and second electrodes, and a processing device suitable for determining a measurement parameter related to the electrical characteristic, based on said at least one measurement electric current, and for emitting the warning signal corresponding to the measurement parameter, wherein the control unit is configured to issue the control signal as a function of the warning signal.