Robotic Surgical Probe With Imaging-Guided Selective Tissue Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments coupled to robotic arms are less than ideal for selective tissue resection, often lacking effective imaging guidance and being more complex than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a treatment probe mounted on a robotic arm with an energy source, controlled by a processor to selectively resect tissue based on predefined volumes, combined with an imaging probe for precise guidance, and featuring irrigation and aspiration lumens for a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If prior surgical instruments are coupled to robotic arms, then automated surgery is enabled, but the instruments non-selectively resect tissue and lack imaging guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, energy delivery, and resection) into a single integrated probe system. The imaging probe and treatment probe are merged into one instrument that can perform both visualization and selective tissue resection, enabling automated surgery with precision through the unified system guided by real-time imaging feedback.
2Extent of automation
If prior surgical instruments are coupled to robotic arms, then automated surgery is enabled, but the instruments become more complex than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a universal instrument that performs multiple functions: imaging (via integrated imaging probe), energy delivery (via energy source), and tissue resection. This multi-functional design reduces the need for multiple separate instruments while enabling automated surgery, thereby managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.
3Manufacturing precision
If image guidance is used to guide the probe to target site, then tissue resection accuracy is improved, but the system requires coordination between imaging and treatment components
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the imaging probe and treatment probe into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for complex coordination between separate imaging and treatment components. The unified probe allows real-time imaging guidance during energy delivery and resection, improving accuracy while reducing system coordination complexity through integration.
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
Enables precise, selective tissue resection with improved accuracy and safety by using robotic arms to guide energy delivery and imaging, while maintaining a controlled environment.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source coupled to a probe mounted on a robotic arm, with a processor configured with instructions to release energy so as to selectively resect tissue
Implementation Method 2
The probe can comprise an irrigation lumen and an aspiration lumen
Data Source
AI summary
An energy source is coupled to a probe mounted on a robotic arm, and a processor configured with instructions to release energy to resect tissue in coordination with movement of the robotic arm and probe. The tissue can be resected in accordance with a defined tissue resection volume that can be determined based on images of the patient. The probe can be moved to a plurality of positions with movement of a distal end of the robotic arm and tissue resected in accordance with the treatment plan. The distal end of the robotic arm can be configured to move to a plurality of locations and orientations to provide an appropriate position and orientation of the probe tip and energy source. The processor can be configured with instructions to pivot the probe at a location to decrease tissue movement near the pivot such as an internal location of the patient.