Minimally Invasive Examination Device Using Sensor-Based Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in accurately positioning interventional instruments due to soft tissue deformation, needle deflection, patient movement, and physiological changes, which can lead to inaccurate placement and potential damage to vital organs, as existing imaging methods provide limited real-time feedback and are often complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive examination device equipped with sensors, such as sound or acceleration sensors, coupled to the interventional instrument to detect mechanical interactions and transmit signals for real-time processing and visual feedback, allowing for improved positioning and navigation of instruments within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time imaging methods (CT, ultrasound, MRI) are used to navigate the interventional instrument, then the quality and safety of the intervention is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical imaging systems (CT, MRI, ultrasound) with a sensor-based detection system that measures mechanical interactions between the instrument and tissue. Sensors detect forces, vibrations, and acoustic signals generated during needle insertion, providing positioning information without requiring expensive imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly observing the instrument position through imaging, the system creates indirect copies of position information by sensing mechanical interactions (forces, vibrations, acoustic emissions) that occur during tissue penetration. These sensor signals serve as proxies for actual instrument location and tissue characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If existing imaging methods are used to indicate instrument position, then navigation capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to image artefacts and physical effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imaging-based position indication with direct mechanical sensing. Sensors mounted on the instrument shaft detect forces and vibrations at the instrument-tissue interface, providing direct feedback about penetration depth and tissue characteristics without the artefacts that plague imaging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument itself serves as the sensing platform. Sensors are integrated directly onto the instrument, allowing it to detect its own interactions with tissue during insertion. This self-measurement capability eliminates the need for separate imaging systems and provides more accurate, artifact-free position information.
3Reliability
If the interventional instrument is inserted deep into the body to reach the target site, then the diagnostic or therapeutic effect is improved, but the risk of injuring vital organs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by mounting sensors on the instrument that continuously detect mechanical interactions with tissue during insertion. The system provides immediate feedback about tissue layer penetration, abnormal resistance changes, and potential proximity to vital structures, allowing the operator to adjust the trajectory and avoid organ injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the deep target site. Rather than relying on pre-procedure imaging and static plans, the sensors provide real-time information about actual tissue conditions encountered during insertion, mediating the interaction between the instrument and deep body structures to prevent accidental damage.
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 device provides reliable and accurate real-time feedback to surgeons, enabling precise placement of interventional instruments by distinguishing between tissue layers and organs, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring accurate targeting, thereby enhancing the safety and quality of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sound or vibration sensor (14), in particular a microphone or stethoscope, wherein the coupling element (12) connects the interventional instrument (16) to the first sensor (14) so as to transmit sound
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive examination device for assisting in the positioning of an interventional instrument in the body of a patient. The device allows improved positioning of an interventional instrument in the body of a patient. The device comprises:a coupling element on which at least one first sensor is arranged and that is coupled to a proximal end of the interventional instrument, as a result of which the first sensor is connected to the interventional instrument (16) via the coupling element,a signal detection and processing device that is connected to the first sensor in a wireless or wired manner so as to transmit signals, wherein the signal detection and processing device (20, 34) is designed to process the signals from the first sensor, anda display device that is designed to visually display processing results from the signal detection and processing device.