Robotic Surgery Probe With Integrated Endoscope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue removal methods and apparatus are less than ideal due to suboptimal viewing of the surgical site, imperfect alignment with the surgical site, and cumbersome configuration, leading to increased complexity and cost, thereby limiting accessibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An image-guided treatment apparatus with a movable probe tip and reference markers, aligned with an imaging device, allows for calibrated movement to correct magnification errors and align the treatment probe with the surgical site, featuring a stiff distal endoscope for improved access and a coupling mechanism for energy delivery, enabling precise tissue resection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an endoscope is used for tissue removal, then viewing of the surgical site is improved, but alignment with the surgical site becomes less perfect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the endoscope and treatment probe into a single integrated apparatus, merging the viewing function and treatment function into one device. This eliminates the misalignment problem between separate endoscope and treatment probe while maintaining improved surgical site viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image-guided treatment mapping as an intermediary system that creates a virtual representation of the surgical site. This mapping system serves as a mediator between the endoscope's visual field and the treatment probe's positioning, enabling precise alignment through virtual reality guidance.
2Productivity
If prior treatment apparatus are used, then tissue removal can be performed, but the configuration is cumbersome and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal treatment apparatus that can perform multiple functions including tissue removal, viewing, and image-guided treatment mapping. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices and complex configurations of multiple apparatus, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full tissue removal capability.
3Productivity
If prior treatment apparatus are used, then tissue removal can be performed, but cost increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated image-guided treatment mapping and robotic control systems. The system automatically performs treatment planning, probe positioning, and treatment delivery based on pre-acquired images, eliminating the need for complex manual operations and specialized training, thereby reducing operational costs and improving accessibility.
4Productivity
If treatment probe is moved without calibration, then treatment can be delivered, but magnification errors and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by acquiring reference images and creating a treatment map before actual treatment delivery. This pre-treatment mapping establishes the correct spatial relationships and magnification factors, ensuring that subsequent probe movements maintain high alignment precision throughout the treatment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical treatment apparatus comprises an elongate support, an elongate tube, and a movable endoscope having a stiff distal portion, in which the stiff distal portion of the endoscope is configured to move one or more components of the apparatus when the support remains substantially fixed. The support may comprise a plurality of spaced apart aspiration openings near the distal end in order to facilitate alignment with the treatment site. In many embodiments, an image guided treatment apparatus is configured for use with an imaging device. In many embodiments, a target resection profile is provided. The target resection profile and one or more tissue structures are displayed on an image, and the target resection profile displayed on the image is adjusted with user input.