Single Foot Actuator for Multi-ESU Surgical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clutter and confusion caused by multiple electrosurgical units (ESUs) pedals in surgical procedures create a hazardous and dangerous environment due to difficulty in identifying and activating the correct pedal, leading to frustration among surgeons and operating room personnel.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that uses a single foot-operated actuator (FOA) to control multiple surgical instruments by detecting identifiers on the instruments, such as barcodes or QR codes, and dynamically assigning pedals or footswitches to match the selected ESU, utilizing wireless or wired communication to activate the appropriate ESU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrosurgical units (ESUs) with separate pedals are used, then each surgical instrument can be controlled independently, but the number of pedals increases causing clutter and confusion at the surgeon's feet
Solution Approach 1:
A single foot pedal is designed to control multiple different surgical instruments by dynamically assigning control functions based on which instrument is currently detected in the surgical field. The pedal transitions from a single-function device to a multi-functional control mechanism that can activate different ESUs depending on the active instrument identification.
Solution Approach 2:
An identification system using cameras and barcode/QR code readers acts as an intermediary between the surgical instruments and the pedal control. This intermediary detects the instrument type and mediates the connection by assigning the appropriate control function to the pedal, eliminating the need for multiple physical pedals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pedals are placed at the surgeon's feet, then each instrument can be controlled separately, but it becomes difficult to identify which pedal corresponds to which instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the surgeon by displaying on a screen which instrument is currently detected and which pedal function is active. This visual feedback eliminates confusion by clearly indicating which pedal controls which instrument, allowing the surgeon to maintain situational awareness without seeing multiple physical pedals.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing physical copies of multiple pedals, the system creates a virtual representation of pedal control through a single physical pedal that can be programmed to control different instruments. The identification system copies the control function assignment based on the detected instrument type.
3Ease of operation
If multiple ESU pedals are used, then specific instruments can be controlled, but the risk of inadvertently activating the wrong instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays real-time feedback showing which instrument is currently detected and which pedal function is assigned, allowing the surgeon to verify before activation. This feedback mechanism prevents inadvertent activation by ensuring the surgeon is aware of the current instrument-pedal mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification of the surgical instrument using cameras and barcode/QR code readers before allowing pedal control to be assigned. This preliminary action ensures that the correct instrument is detected and configured before the surgeon needs to operate, preventing mistakes in instrument selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An example process may include identifying an object in a field of view, detecting an identifier associated with the object, comparing the identifier to a list of identifiers to identify a corresponding device, and activating a pedal to control the device based on a device profile.