Sterile Surgical Drape with Static Window for Telerobotic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization methods for surgical robot systems damage servo motors and electrical connections, making it difficult to sterilize telerobotic systems effectively, and existing sterile drapes hinder visibility and movement during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape system with a first section for covering non-sterile robotic components, including vents for communication with the sterile field and a static-charged window for monitor visibility, and an instrument drape section with an adaptor for engaging surgical tools, allowing for signal transfer and maintaining sterility without requiring extensive sterilization of the robotic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (steam, heat, pressure, chemicals) are used on the surgical manipulator, then sterilization is achieved, but the servo motors, sensors, encoders, and electrical connections are damaged or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into sterile and non-sterile segments. The surgical manipulator components (servo motors, sensors, encoders, electrical connections) are designated as non-sterile and covered by a sterile drape, while only the surgical instruments and their immediate interfaces require sterilization. This segmentation allows the sensitive electronic components to be protected from damaging sterilization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile drape acts as an intermediary barrier between the non-sterile surgical manipulator and the sterile surgical field. The drape includes a sterile adaptor that interfaces with the manipulator, transferring motion and signals while maintaining the sterile boundary. This intermediary allows the manipulator to function without direct exposure to sterilization processes.
2Reliability
If a sterile drape is used to cover the surgical manipulator, then sterility is maintained, but the drape may be difficult or time-consuming to install and limit movement of the surgical manipulator
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile drape is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move with the surgical manipulator during operation. The drape material and attachment method enable flexibility, ensuring that manipulator movement is not constrained while maintaining the sterile barrier throughout the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile drape is constructed as a flexible thin film that can conform to the shape of the surgical manipulator and accommodate its movements. This flexible structure is easier to install than rigid alternatives and does not limit the manipulator's range of motion, while still providing effective sterilization protection.
3Reliability
If a sterile drape is used to cover the surgical manipulator, then sterility is maintained, but the drape may hinder the surgeon's view of the surgical site and visibility of the monitor screen
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile drape incorporates transparent or translucent windows with static charge that allow the surgeon to view the surgical site and monitor screen through the drape material. These window sections maintain optical clarity while the surrounding drape material provides sterility protection, resolving the conflict between visibility and sterility maintenance.
4Reliability
If the surgical manipulator is disposed of after each operation, then contamination is prevented, but cost efficiency is reduced compared to sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into disposable and reusable components. The sterile drape and surgical instruments are disposable and disposed of after each operation, while the expensive surgical manipulator with electronic components is reusable and not subjected to sterilization. This segmentation prevents contamination of the manipulator while avoiding the high costs of sterilizing or replacing the entire system.
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 solution improves installation efficiency, maintains visibility during surgery, and allows for maximum freedom of movement of the surgical manipulator while protecting the sterile field without damaging the robotic system's components.
Implementation Method 1
the window including a static charge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An improved sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes a fastener coupled to the exterior surface for securing the sterile drape to the non-sterile portion of the robotic surgical system while reducing the volume of the sterile drape. Advantageously, the drape allows for quick and simple installation and increases visualization of the patient by reducing the size of the drape with more form fitting features, while allowing for freedom of movement of the manipulator.