Robotic Uterine Manipulator with Sensing and Balloon Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems for medical procedures, particularly in hysterectomy, face challenges in accurately and efficiently manipulating the uterus, often requiring human assistance that can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system equipped with a uterine manipulator instrument featuring a colpotomy cup and inflatable balloons, controlled by a robotic arm, which can be precisely positioned and oriented to facilitate surgical procedures, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing procedural accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robotic system is used to manipulate the uterus, then procedural accuracy and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system divides the uterus manipulation task into multiple independent components: a robotic arm for positioning, a uterine manipulator with colpotomy cup for grasping, and inflatable balloons for stabilization. Each component operates independently but coordinates through a centralized control system, allowing precise control while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of the uterine manipulator in real-time, feeding this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the robotic system to automatically adjust and maintain precise positioning of the uterus during surgical procedures
2Reliability
If robotic control is implemented for uterine manipulation, then human error is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs uterine manipulation autonomously based on pre-programmed surgical pathways and real-time sensor feedback. The system self-adjusts positioning and orientation without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical manipulation by human surgeons with automated robotic control. The robotic arm and uterine manipulator execute precise movements based on digital planning and sensor feedback, eliminating human variability and error while the high-level control interface maintains ease of operation for the surgical team
3Productivity
If precise positioning and orientation is achieved, then surgical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the uterine manipulator before the main surgical procedure begins. Pre-operative planning defines the optimal surgical pathway, and the robotic system executes this plan in advance, establishing precise initial positioning that improves surgical efficiency while the automated planning reduces the complexity of real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time sensors monitor the position and orientation of the uterine manipulator, providing continuous feedback to the control system. This enables automatic adjustments to maintain optimal positioning throughout the procedure, improving surgical efficiency through precise control while the automated feedback loop manages the complexity of continuous monitoring and adjustment
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
The robotic system enables precise manipulation of the uterus, improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of human error, allowing for more consistent and controlled positioning and orientation during procedures like hysterectomy.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic system may include a uterine manipulator instrument with an inflatable balloon that provides stable engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft including a distal shaft end. The apparatus also includes a sleeve slidably coupled to the shaft. The sleeve includes a distal sleeve end. The apparatus further includes a colpotomy cup fixedly secured to the distal sleeve end, and an inflatable balloon positioned over the shaft near the distal shaft end such that the inflatable balloon is configured to manipulate an anatomical structure via movement of the shaft. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one of a fluid pressure within the inflatable balloon or a force acting upon the inflatable balloon. The at least one sensor is configured to generate at least one feedback signal based on the detected at least one of a fluid pressure or a force.