Sonasurgery Probe with OCT Imaging and RF Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries, rely heavily on manual manipulation and direct visualization, often requiring multiple incisions and carbon dioxide insufflation, which can lead to bleeding, increased risk of complications, and limited precision in targeting tissue for removal.
Innovation Solution
A system of interchangeable surgical probes with integrated optical imaging, diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, tactile feedback, and positional verification technologies, allowing for precise tissue alteration and manipulation through a single port, with motorized control for precise positioning and orientation, enabling fusion of preoperative and intraoperative data for enhanced precision and reduced bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple incisions are made for laparoscopic/robotic surgery, then surgical access and visualization are improved, but patient trauma and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (incision, visualization, tissue manipulation, energy delivery) into a single integrated probe that accesses the target through one incision. The probe integrates optical coherence tomography imaging, radiofrequency energy delivery, and mechanical manipulation capabilities, eliminating the need for separate ports and instruments required by traditional laparoscopic approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical probe is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: it provides high-resolution imaging via OCT, delivers radiofrequency energy for tissue ablation or coagulation, enables mechanical tissue manipulation, and offers real-time feedback. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized instruments used in traditional surgery.
2Ease of operation
If carbon dioxide insufflation is used to create working space, then surgical field visualization is improved, but risk of complications and physiological stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the working space creation function from the traditional CO2 insufflation approach. By using high-resolution OCT imaging, the system can visualize tissue structures and surgical targets through the wall of the abdominal cavity without requiring pneumoperitoneum. The imaging capability allows precise probe positioning and tissue identification without expanding the abdominal cavity.
3Productivity
If traditional surgical knives are used for tissue removal, then tissue resection is achieved, but bleeding increases requiring additional control measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tissue resection and hemorrhage control functions into a single radiofrequency energy delivery step. The same probe that images and manipulates tissue also delivers controlled RF energy that simultaneously cuts/coagulates tissue and seals blood vessels. This eliminates the sequential steps of cutting followed by separate hemostasis control required in traditional surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife-based resection system with a radiofrequency energy-based system. Instead of using physical blades to cut tissue and then separate instruments to control bleeding, the RF energy field performs both functions through thermal effects, providing cleaner cuts with immediate coagulation and minimal blood loss.
4Ease of operation
If manual manipulation and direct visualization are used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but precision in targeting tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through OCT imaging that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissue structures ahead of and around the probe tip. This feedback allows the surgeon to precisely identify tissue boundaries, vascular structures, and target lesions, enabling sub-millimeter precision in tissue targeting while maintaining flexibility through continuous visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tactile-based positioning with optical imaging-based positioning. The OCT system provides real-time visual feedback that guides probe advancement and orientation, replacing the surgeon's tactile sense and visual estimation with precise optical measurement and imaging, thereby achieving higher targeting precision.
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
This approach reduces the need for multiple incisions and carbon dioxide insufflation, minimizing bleeding and trauma, allowing for precise tissue alteration and manipulation through a single port, enhancing surgical precision and reducing recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to provide high-resolution cross-sectional images of tissue structures
Implementation Method 2
delivering radiofrequency energy to alter or destroy targeted tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for and a method of performing sonasurgery may include a room coordinate system and at least one probe with localization technology. A position of the probe may be tracked continuously during the course of a procedure so that its position is known and updated relative to a preoperative MRI/CT.