Surgical Glove Interface for Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical control methods, such as foot pedals and tool-integrated user interfaces, are inefficient and ergonomic, leading to distractions, reduced precision, and increased procedural time during minimally invasive brain surgeries, due to the need for surgeons to frequently reposition themselves and remove their focus from the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A surgical glove interface with integrated switches and a wireless communication system that allows surgeons to control medical equipment using their fingers, eliminating the need for foot pedals and reducing the need for visual and proprioceptive localization of controls, thereby maintaining focus on the surgical site and improving dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foot pedals are used to control surgical equipment, then the surgeon can control multiple elements during the procedure, but the surgeon must remove focus from the surgical field and reorient himself, causing distraction and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a glove-mounted interface as an intermediary control mechanism between the surgeon and the surgical equipment. This interface includes switches and sensors integrated into the glove that detect hand movements and transmit control signals to the surgical system, allowing the surgeon to maintain focus on the surgical field while controlling multiple elements through hand gestures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal system with an electronic sensor-based interface integrated into the surgical glove. The sensors detect hand movements and convert them into electronic control signals, eliminating the need for the surgeon to physically reach for foot pedals and reorient themselves, thereby maintaining surgical focus while achieving versatile control
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple foot pedals are deployed for controlling different elements, then the surgeon can manage multiple functions, but the complexity of locating and repositioning controls increases procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated interface mounted on the surgical glove. Instead of requiring the surgeon to manage separate foot pedals for different functions, all control elements are combined in one location that moves with the surgeon's hand, eliminating the time needed to locate and reposition individual controls during the procedure
3Ease of operation
If conventional control interfaces are used, then the surgeon can operate the equipment, but ergonomic issues and tripping hazards are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The glove-mounted interface acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for the surgeon to bend down to foot pedals, removing the tripping hazard associated with cables and pedals on the floor. The control interface is positioned at the surgeon's hand level, providing ergonomic accessibility while eliminating harmful factors in the surgical environment
Data Source
AI summary
An interface component is provided for use with a first glove and a medical equipment component. The interface component comprises at least one switch located on the first glove, where each of the at least one switch provides a control signal to the medical equipment component. The interface component may further comprise a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, a power supply module coupled to the controller, and a wireless communications interface coupled to the controller in communication with a wireless interface of the medical equipment component.