Robotic Surgical Visualization With Motion-Tracked Image Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical procedures face challenges in providing clear visualization and navigation without direct line of sight, which can lead to complications and reduced accuracy due to limited field of view and disturbances at the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a computing device, imaging devices, and procedural components that co-register imaging data to create a surgical site image for display, allowing for accurate navigation and visualization, including the use of markers and sensors to track tissue movement and provide real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimal incisions are used to reduce surgical site size, then patient trauma is reduced, but the field of view for the surgeon is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visualization system with imaging devices (cameras, sensors) as intermediaries between the surgical site and the surgeon. These devices capture images and data from within the body through minimal incisions and transmit them to external displays, allowing the surgeon to see the surgical site without needing a large physical opening. The system acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between minimal access and adequate visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the surgical field of view from a direct two-dimensional physical view to a multi-dimensional digital representation. Multiple imaging devices capture data from different angles and depths, and the system reconstructs this into comprehensive 3D or multi-planar views on external displays. This dimensional transformation allows the surgeon to visualize structures that would be inaccessible through direct line-of-sight in the physical space.
2Measurement precision
If direct line of sight is required for surgical visualization, then accuracy is improved, but disturbances to the body increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of direct line-of-sight visualization with an optical/electronic imaging system. Instead of physically positioning the surgeon's eyes directly over the surgical site (which would require large incisions and cause disturbances), the system uses cameras, sensors, and digital displays to transmit visual information electronically. This substitution maintains surgical accuracy while eliminating the need for disruptive physical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images, videos, 3D reconstructions) of the surgical site that can be viewed externally. These copies replicate the visual information of internal structures without requiring physical access to those structures. The surgeon interacts with these digital representations rather than directly observing the surgical site through large openings, thereby maintaining accuracy while minimizing bodily disturbance.
3Loss of time
If minimal incisions are made, then recovery time is reduced, but navigation and visualization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems where imaging devices continuously monitor the surgical site and provide updated visual information to the surgeon through external displays. The system tracks the position of surgical instruments and overlays this information with anatomical landmarks and navigation data, providing continuous feedback that guides the surgeon's actions. This feedback loop compensates for the lack of direct tactile and visual feedback that would normally be available through open surgery, maintaining ease of operation despite minimal incisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for visualizing a surgical site is provided. The system includes a robotic mechanism for performing a procedure on a patient, an imaging device coupled to the robotic mechanism, the imaging device configured to provide image data of a site of interest, and a computing device coupled to the imaging device. The computing device includes one or more processors and at least one memory device configured to store executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by the processor, are configured to receive the image data of the site of interest, track motion patterns of the site of interest in the received image data, filter the received image data to remove line-of-sight restrictions therein and alter pixels therein based on the tracked motion patterns, and generate an output frame from the filtered image data. The system also includes a presentation interface device coupled to the computing device and configured to present the output frame for visualization of the site of interest.