Integrated Illumination and Camera for Surgical Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging devices struggle to consistently and accurately capture the center of the operative field in open surgeries like body surface surgeries or laparotomies, often requiring interruptions in the surgery or assistance from a third imaging assistant.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device comprising an illumination unit that spot-illuminates the operative field center, an operative field camera unit that captures images of the illuminated area, and a housing with display units on both sides, allowing the operator to adjust the illumination and imaging without interrupting the surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an operative field camera is disposed above the surgeon's head or mounted on another arm, then the center of operative field can be imaged, but the surgery must be interrupted to adjust the camera position and the operator cannot continuously monitor the imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spotlight device and operative field camera into a single integrated unit. The spotlight serves dual purposes: illuminating the operative field and indicating the imaging target area. This integration eliminates the need for separate adjustment of camera position, allowing continuous surgery without interruption while maintaining accurate operative field center imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The spotlight automatically indicates the imaging target area without requiring separate adjustment. The system self-regulates by using the spotlight's light field to define the imaging area, eliminating the need for external assistance or surgery interruption for position adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated videographer is arranged to adjust the imaging device, then appropriate operative field images can be obtained, but the device complexity and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spotlight function and camera function into one integrated device. The spotlight's light field directly indicates the imaging area, eliminating the need for separate videographer assistance or complex positioning systems. This reduces both personnel requirements and system complexity while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spotlight device performs multiple functions: illuminating the operative field and indicating the imaging target area. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated videographers and simplifies the overall system configuration while ensuring appropriate operative field imaging.
3Illumination intensity
If the illumination area of the spotlight is enlarged to cover the whole operative field, then the illumination becomes sufficient, but the light field no longer accurately indicates the center of operative field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a spotlight with a concentrated light field that specifically illuminates and indicates the center of the operative field. The spotlight's limited illumination area is intentional, as it accurately marks the imaging target. Supplementary lighting ensures the rest of the operative field remains visible without compromising the center indication accuracy.
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
Enables continuous, clear imaging of the operative field center without interrupting the surgery or requiring additional assistance, improving surgical safety, education, and record-keeping.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit that spot-illuminates a center of operative field of a surgical patient
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device according to the present invention includes an illumination unit 11 that spot-illuminates a center of operative field of a surgical patient, an operative field camera unit 12 that images a center of irradiation range by the illumination unit 11, a housing 13 that covers the illumination unit 11 and the operative field camera unit 12, and a pair of display units 14 and 14 that are visible from both sides of the surgical patient.