Surgical Decision Visualization for Multi-Instrument Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems lack effective methods for visualizing and optimizing the interactions between multiple surgical instruments during a procedure, leading to potential collisions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor that analyzes the interactions between first and second surgical instruments, determines candidate actions to complete surgical steps while avoiding collisions, and generates control signals to guide the instruments based on these analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical instruments are used to perform complex surgical steps, then surgical capability and functionality are improved, but the risk of collisions and interference between instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of instrument trajectories and potential collisions before executing surgical steps. The processor determines candidate actions for first surgical instruments and evaluates their effects on second surgical instruments' ability to perform subsequent steps, preventing collisions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positions and movements of multiple surgical instruments and adjusts their trajectories in real-time. The processor evaluates the effects of candidate actions on other instruments and selects actions that avoid interference, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents collisions.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated control is implemented for surgical instruments, then procedural precision and consistency are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components: a processor that determines candidate actions, an evaluation module that assesses effects on other instruments, and a selection module that chooses optimal actions. This modular architecture manages complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between surgical instrument operators and the instruments themselves, coordinating their actions to achieve precise outcomes. The system mediates between multiple instruments, evaluating candidate actions and selecting those that maintain procedural precision while avoiding collisions.
3Reliability
If real-time analysis of instrument interactions is performed, then collision avoidance is improved, but computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial analysis by evaluating only the most relevant candidate actions and their primary effects on other instruments, rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible interactions. This reduces computational load while maintaining effective collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system autonomously performs real-time analysis and selection of collision-free actions without requiring external intervention. The processor independently determines candidate actions, evaluates their effects, and selects optimal actions, reducing the need for additional computational resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Device and methods for visualization of automated surgical system decisions. An example device may select a candidate action to perform based on steps of a surgical procedure and the effects of the candidate action. The effects may include whether the candidate action will impair the ability of a surgical instrument to perform a later step in the procedure. The candidate action may involve initial device placement, device movements, port placement, and/or the like.