Surgical Imaging System Using Structured Light for Concealed Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical imaging systems often fail to recognize and convey information about concealed structures and dimensions within a three-dimensional space, limiting clinicians' ability to perform precise surgical actions, and may not effectively communicate critical information intraoperatively.
Innovation Solution
A surgical control system that includes an imaging system with an emitter and image sensor configured to emit and receive structured electromagnetic radiation, allowing for the generation of images, determination of surgical actions, and provision of user recommendations based on comparisons with baseline actions, while a computer system processes images from multiple surgical hubs to establish baseline actions for improved surgical outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional imaging systems are used to view the surgical site, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot recognize concealed structures and convey critical information to the clinician
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional structured light imaging. The imaging system projects structured light patterns onto the surgical site and captures reflected light from multiple angles, enabling depth perception and visualization of concealed structures in three dimensions. This dimensional enhancement allows clinicians to see hidden anatomical features while maintaining system manageability through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured light as an intermediary between the imaging system and the surgical site. By projecting coded light patterns and analyzing their reflection, the system mediates the interaction between the clinician and concealed structures, extracting depth and spatial information that conventional imaging cannot provide. This intermediary approach enables information extraction without requiring direct physical contact or invasive procedures.
2Measurement precision
If structured electromagnetic radiation is emitted to enhance visualization of concealed structures, then measurement precision of surgical site is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic emission of structured electromagnetic radiation in pulsed sequences rather than continuous emission. The emitter projects structured light patterns at specific intervals, allowing the imaging system to capture reflections during active emission periods and remain dormant during inactive periods. This periodic action maintains measurement precision by ensuring sufficient light exposure for accurate depth mapping while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous emission.
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
Enhances intraoperative visualization and decision-making by providing real-time information on critical structures' proximity and depth, reducing the risk of damaging vital tissues and improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and an image sensor configured to receive the EMR reflected from a surgical site
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the EMR is emitted as structured EMR
Data Source
AI summary
Various surgical systems configured to analyze surgical procedure trends are disclosed. The surgical systems can further be configured to provide recommendations and/or adjust control algorithms executed by the surgical systems according to the identified trends. The identified trends can be utilized to determine a baseline or recommended action to be performed at a decision point in a surgical procedure. The surgical systems can be configured to provide preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative feedback to users based on their decisions at the decision points relative to the determined baseline or recommended actions.