Sterile-Field Surgical Imaging With Wireless Video Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical imaging systems face challenges in providing real-time, high-definition imaging within the sterile field of an operating room without disrupting the surgical workflow or compromising patient safety and sterility.
Innovation Solution
A surgical imaging system with a video controlling unit that is sterile or sterilizable, capable of processing and wirelessly transmitting images from an imaging sensor to a display device within the sterile field, using a biocompatible, low-profile design with user inputs for control, and powered by DC to maintain sterility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a video controlling unit is placed within the sterile field to enable real-time imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The video controlling unit is extracted from the non-sterile environment and placed directly within the sterile field, eliminating the need for cable connections that would breach sterility. This allows real-time imaging while maintaining the sterile barrier, as the unit itself becomes part of the sterile environment rather than an external connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmitter acts as an intermediary between the imaging sensor in the sterile field and the display device outside the sterile field. It transmits video data through wireless communication, allowing information transfer without physical connection, thus preserving sterility while enabling real-time imaging capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a video controlling unit with processing components is placed in the sterile field, then imaging functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an imaging sensor, a video controlling unit with processing components, and a wireless transmitter. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and sterilization requirements, making the overall system more manageable despite the complexity of having electronics in the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
The video controlling unit is designed to perform multiple functions: processing video signals from the imaging sensor, encoding the video data, and controlling the wireless transmitter. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive imaging functionality.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used to transmit images from the sterile field, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmission operates in periodic bursts synchronized with the frame rate of the imaging sensor (e.g., 30-60 frames per second). Rather than continuous transmission, video data is transmitted in discrete frames, allowing the transmitter to remain inactive between frames and conserve energy while maintaining real-time imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and compression level based on surgical needs and available power. By changing these parameters, the system can reduce energy consumption during periods when full-resolution real-time transmission is not critical, while maintaining ease of operation through adaptive performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical imaging system for communicating images from an imaging sensor to a display device within an operating room has a video controlling unit configured to receive the images from the imaging sensor. The video controlling unit is sterile or sterilizable sufficient for use in the sterile field of an operating room. The video controlling unit is configured to atraumatically rest on the patient during the procedure.