Laparoscopic Applicator for Robotic Surgery Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic-assisted surgery systems lack precision and control in dispensing medical substances, such as haemostatics, due to limited haptic feedback and reliance on human assistants for inserting and activating applicators, which can lead to inaccurate and unreliable substance delivery.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic applicator designed for robotic arm manipulation, featuring a deformable and rigid section for precise spatial control, with an actuator for controlled substance release, allowing direct robotic arm interaction and feedback mechanisms for enhanced safety and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated syringe is used for dispensing haemostatic paste, then the surgeon can directly control the dispensing, but the target site is not directly accessible in minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator system is divided into two functional segments: a robotic arm for precise positioning and manipulation of the applicator tip, and a control unit for dispensing the haemostatic paste. This segmentation allows the robotic arm to reach inaccessible target sites while maintaining precise control over paste dispensing through the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator tube serves as an intermediary element between the robotic arm and the target site. It is prefilled with haemostatic paste and designed to be inserted via a trocar port, allowing the robotic arm to deliver the paste to inaccessible locations without requiring direct manual manipulation at the surgical site.
2Length of moving object
If an elongated applicator tube is introduced via trocar port for minimally invasive procedures, then the target site becomes accessible, but the insertion and dispensing process is not visible to the surgeon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion and control with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm performs the insertion and positioning functions that were previously manual, while the control unit automates the paste dispensing process, eliminating the need for the surgeon to directly observe and manually control these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides feedback to the robotic arm about the status of the applicator tube and paste dispensing. This allows the robotic system to monitor and adjust its operations without requiring the surgeon to directly observe the insertion and dispensing processes, maintaining situational awareness through electronic feedback rather than visual observation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the applicator is controlled by a robotic arm, then precision and accuracy are improved, but haptic feedback and intuitive control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the surgical environment. It processes inputs from the robotic arm, manages the paste dispensing timing and amount, and coordinates the overall operation. This intermediary layer allows the robotic arm to provide precise positioning while the control unit handles the haptic and control aspects that are difficult to transmit through the robotic interface.
4Length of moving object
If paste is dispensed through a prefilled applicator tube, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but control over the dispensing process is lost to the assistant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical dispensing control with an automated control unit that manages the paste dispensing process. The control unit receives signals from the robotic arm and automatically controls when and how much paste is dispensed, eliminating the need for the assistant to manually control the dispensing process while maintaining precise automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a laparoscopic applicator for dispensing a substance, e.g. a substance comprising a haemostatic agent, at a selected site by means of a surgical robotic arm, the laparoscopic applicator comprising a delivery tube configured for holding the substance under a pressure; and an applicator tip connected to a distal end of the delivery tube, wherein the applicator tip is configured for being controllable operated by the robotic arm by being spatially manipulated by the robotic arm, and controllably releasing the substance from the delivery tube by the robotic arm.