Segmented Endoscope Shaft with Rotatable Imaging for Intuitive Surgical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, the view direction of the endoscope often does not coincide with the insertion direction of the treatment device, making it difficult for surgeons to intuitively operate the treatment device based on the captured images.
Innovation Solution
A treatment device with a shaft having multiple segments, where the imaging device is positioned on one segment and rotatable relative to another segment, allowing the treatment portion to enter the field of view of the imaging device, thereby aligning the view direction with the insertion direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the treatment device and endoscope are inserted through different trocars, then both devices can be introduced into the abdominal cavity, but the view direction of the endoscope does not coincide with the insertion direction of the treatment device
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment device is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can rotate relative to each other around a pivot point. This segmentation allows the distal end portion to be oriented independently from the insertion direction, enabling the treatment portion to enter the field of view of the imaging device while maintaining a flexible configuration that resolves the misalignment issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment device incorporates dynamic rotation capabilities at the pivot point, allowing the distal end portion to rotate relative to the proximal end portion. This dynamic adjustment enables real-time alignment between the treatment portion and the imaging device's field of view, transforming a static misalignment problem into a dynamically solvable configuration.
2Device complexity
If the imaging device is positioned on the shaft, then the device structure is simplified, but the treatment portion cannot enter the field of view of the imaging device when the shaft is straight
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple rotatable sections that can be independently oriented. This allows the imaging device mounted on one segment to capture the treatment portion located on another segment by rotating the appropriate segment to bring the treatment portion into the field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational degrees of freedom around the pivot point, adding a rotational dimension to the otherwise linear shaft structure. This enables the treatment portion to be positioned within the imaging device's field of view by rotating the distal segment, while the imaging device remains mounted on the shaft structure.
3Ease of operation
If the first segment is rotated about the pivot point, then the treatment portion can enter the field of view of the imaging device, but the longitudinal axis of the first segment intersects the longitudinal axis of the second segment at an angle less than 180 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot point enables dynamic rotation of the first segment relative to the second segment, allowing the shaft to adapt its configuration based on surgical needs. The angle between segments can be adjusted during the procedure to optimize the positioning of the treatment portion within the imaging device's field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the shaft into rotatable segments, the invention allows each segment to be independently positioned. The first segment can be rotated to achieve optimal imaging angles while the second segment maintains its position, creating a flexible multi-segment structure that accommodates various surgical configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment device includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of segments arranged along the longitudinal axis, a treatment portion at a distal-end side of the shaft, an operation portion at a proximal-end side of the shaft, and an imaging device. A first segment of the plurality of segments is at the distal-end side of a second segment of the plurality of segments and is rotatably attached to the second segment at a first pivot point. The imaging device is provided in the second segment. The first segment is rotatable about the first pivot point relative to the second segment such that a longitudinal axis of the first segment intersects a longitudinal axis of the second segment at a first angle and at least a part of the treatment portion enters a field of view of the imaging device.