Robotic Surgical System with Embedded Radiation Source

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic surgical systems require disconnection and repositioning to obtain radiographic images, causing delays and reducing the utility of these images in surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a radiation source into a robotic arm and a digital imaging receiver on the surgical table, allowing for the generation of initial images that are transformed based on the orientation of the radiation source, enabling fluoroscopic imaging without moving the robotic system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate fluoroscope is used for radiographic imaging, then radiographic images can be obtained, but the robotic surgical system must be disconnected and repositioned, causing delays in the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiographic imaging capabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluoroscope with the robotic surgical system by mounting the radiation source on the robotic arm and positioning the digital imaging receiver on the surgical table. This integration allows the fluoroscope and robotic system to function as a unified device, eliminating the need to disconnect and reposition separate equipment during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic surgical system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both manipulate surgical instruments and acquire radiographic images. The radiation source mounted on the robotic arm enables the system to function as both a surgical manipulation platform and an imaging system, allowing seamless switching between surgical tasks and imaging without external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the robotic surgical system is disconnected and repositioned to accommodate a separate fluoroscope, then radiographic imaging can be performed, but the surgical workflow is interrupted and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiographic imagingVSAvoidsurgical procedure efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluoroscopic imaging system is merged with the robotic surgical system through integrated mounting of the radiation source on the robotic arm and the digital imaging receiver on the surgical table. This combination creates a unified system that maintains continuous surgical workflow while providing radiographic imaging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system allows continuous surgical procedures without interruption. The robotic arm can maintain its position and continue surgical manipulation while the imaging system captures radiographic images, ensuring that the surgical workflow remains uninterrupted and efficient throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If a separate fluoroscope is positioned around the patient, then radiographic images can be obtained, but the robotic arm must be moved out of the way, disrupting the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiographic image acquisitionVSAvoidsurgical procedure continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation source is mounted directly on the robotic arm, merging the imaging function with the surgical manipulation function. This integration eliminates the need to reposition the robotic arm to accommodate a separate fluoroscope, as the imaging capability travels with the robotic instrument to the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a digital imaging receiver positioned on the surgical table in a different spatial dimension rather than requiring the robotic arm to move out of its operational space. This dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous surgical manipulation and radiographic imaging without spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the acquisition of radiographic images without disrupting the surgical procedure, allowing for continuous monitoring and improved surgical efficiency by maintaining the robotic system's position.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source removably coupled to the robot arm... emitting radiation from a radiation source... receiving radiation from the radiation source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a digital imaging receiver configured to output an electrical signal based on radiation received from the radiation source... converting the received radiation into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11553984B2Robotic surgical system with an embedded imager
Publication Date: 2023.01.17 COVIDIEN AG
  • US11553984B2 patent drawing
  • US11553984B2 patent drawing
  • US11553984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a robotic surgical system and a corresponding method. The system includes at least one robot arm and a radiation source coupled to the robot arm. The system also includes a surgical table having a digital imaging receiver configured to output an electrical signal based on radiation received from the radiation source. A controller having a processor and a memory is configured to receive the electrical signal and generate an initial image of a patient on the surgical table based on the electrical signal. The controller transforms the initial image to a transformed image based on an orientation of the radiation source.