Sensorized Laparoscopic Access for Peritoneal Entry Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgery methods lack precise and reliable means to ensure safe puncture of the abdominal wall without causing visceral damage, particularly in identifying proper entry into the peritoneal cavity, which can lead to complications such as subcutaneous emphysema or pneumothorax.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic access device equipped with sensors to measure displacement, orientation, acceleration, and force, providing real-time data for precise insertion and controlled insufflation, including a system that integrates with robotic actuators for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional primary access techniques (Veress needle, open technique, direct optical trocar) are used to create pneumoperitoneum, then the surgical pathway is established, but there is risk of visceral damage and inability to precisely confirm peritoneal cavity entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing methods (manual aspiration, pressure sensation) with electronic sensors including force sensors, inertial measurement units, and optical distance sensors. These electronic sensors provide objective, quantifiable data about tissue interaction and peritoneal penetration, eliminating the subjectivity and imprecision of manual techniques while maintaining the mechanical insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters (axial force, acceleration, distance to tissue) during insertion and provides real-time feedback to the operator. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of insertion depth and angle, allowing precise confirmation of peritoneal entry and preventing over-insertion that could cause visceral damage, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring sensors are added to the access device, then measurement precision of peritoneal penetration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (force sensing, acceleration measurement, distance detection) into a single integrated access device. The sensors are embedded within the device structure itself, merging the measurement capabilities with the insertion function rather than adding separate external monitoring systems. This integration minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical insertion, force sensing, acceleration measurement, and distance detection. By making the device multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate specialized tools for each measurement type, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity. The single device serves as both the insertion tool and the measurement system.
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 the flow of insufflation gas based on the real-time data and a sensed pressure at the surgical access device is described.