Sensor-Guided Laparoscopic Access for Precise Insertion Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgery methods lack precise and reliable means to ensure safe insertion of access devices into the peritoneal cavity, risking complications such as subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax due to manual reliance on tactile cues and variable pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic access device equipped with sensors for real-time data collection on displacement, orientation, acceleration, and force, integrated with an insufflation system for controlled gas flow, providing precise feedback for safe and accurate insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual insertion methods are used with tactile cues and variable pressure readings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of insertion depth detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested sheaths (outer sheath and inner sheath) where the inner sheath moves relative to the outer sheath during insertion. This nested structure allows precise measurement of insertion depth through the relative displacement of sheaths while maintaining a compact, manageable device form factor that does not excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on insertion depth, tissue contact force, and orientation. This feedback mechanism enables precise measurement of insertion parameters while the automated control system processes this data, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity through intelligent automation.
2Reliability
If automated sensor-based control is implemented, then the reliability of insertion safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (force sensors, inertial measurement units, optical sensors) provide real-time feedback on insertion parameters. This comprehensive feedback system significantly improves insertion safety by continuously monitoring critical parameters and enabling automated control decisions based on actual tissue interaction data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tactile assessment with automated sensor-based detection and control. Mechanical insertion guided by surgeon touch is substituted with automated systems using force sensors, IMUs, and optical sensors to detect tissue contact and control insertion depth, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through automation.
3Loss of information
If real-time sensor data collection is used, then the loss of information during insertion is reduced, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time sensor data collection provides comprehensive feedback on insertion depth, force, orientation, and acceleration. This minimizes information loss by continuously capturing critical insertion parameters. The data is transmitted to external systems for processing, separating the data collection function from complex data analysis to manage device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary data transmission system that collects sensor data at the device level and transmits it to external processing systems. This intermediary approach allows comprehensive data collection with minimal information loss while offloading complex data processing to external computers, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device, such as in the form of a Veress needle or trocar/obturator, for use in providing access to a patient in a surgical setting is disclosed. The surgical access device incorporates one or more sensors to provide real-time data usable to evaluate an insertion position of the surgical access device and provide feedback to a live user or robotic insertion device. Additionally, a system and method for adjusting a flow of insufflation gas based on the real-time data and a sensed pressure at the surgical access device is described.