Robotic Surgical Imaging Alignment for Precise Tool Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic-assisted surgical systems face challenges in providing high-resolution real-time imaging during surgery, especially in complex anatomical environments, and struggle with tactile feedback and precise instrument placement due to varying patient anatomies and limited visualization and tool manipulation, leading to prolonged surgery times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system equipped with a multi-axis robot, ultrasound imaging, and fiducial points for real-time high-resolution image alignment, allowing precise tool path adjustments and tactile feedback through computer-controlled movements, integrating pre-surgery high-resolution images with real-time ultrasound for enhanced surgical guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If robotic arms are used to carry out surgical movements, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary component that receives surgeon input through telemanipulators and translates it into precise robotic arm movements. This mediator handles the complexity of coordination and precision control, allowing the robotic system to achieve high surgical precision while keeping the surgeon's interface relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical control by the surgeon with computer-controlled robotic systems. The computer software algorithms and control systems substitute for manual mechanical manipulation, enabling more precise and consistent surgical movements while reducing the physical complexity burden on the surgeon.
2Ease of operation
If computer control is used to operate robotic arms, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of tactile feedback worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the computer system provides visual and auditory feedback to the surgeon about the robotic arm's position and the surgical procedure progress. This feedback loop compensates for the loss of tactile feedback by providing alternative sensory information, maintaining ease of operation while addressing the information loss issue.
3Ease of operation
If remote surgery is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but visualization precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes multi-dimensional visualization techniques, including 3D imaging and augmented reality overlays, to compensate for the surgeon's physical distance from the surgical site. By adding dimensional information and virtual visual aids, the system maintains visualization precision even when the surgeon operates remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates detailed digital copies and virtual representations of the surgical site through imaging technologies. These visual copies provide the surgeon with precise visualization of anatomical structures and tool positions, enabling remote operation with accuracy comparable to direct observation.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution pre-surgery images are integrated with real-time ultrasound, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-surgery high-resolution images with real-time ultrasound imaging into a unified visual display system. By combining these different imaging modalities into an integrated interface, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision through multi-source data fusion while managing complexity through unified software integration.
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 real-time high-resolution imaging and precise tool manipulation, reducing surgery time and complications by aligning pre-surgery images with real-time ultrasound, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound and capture images
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system and method are provided that is configured to effect substituting a high resolution image created pre-surgery for a lower resolution image created in real time during surgery and simulating the real time position of the surgical site.