Surgical Instrument Controller Field of View Mode Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical systems, there is a risk of surgical instruments unintentionally coming into contact with objects outside the field of view of the endoscope, leading to potential accidents during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with a controller that determines the position of the surgical instrument relative to the endoscope's field of view and switches operation modes to prevent unintended movements or actions when the instrument is outside the view, ensuring safe operation by restricting or modifying the instrument's actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgical instrument is allowed to operate freely in response to operating device commands, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional contact with objects outside the field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the distal end of the surgical instrument relative to the endoscope's field of view and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the operation mode. When the distal end is determined to be outside the field of view, the system automatically switches from the first operation mode (full operation) to the second operation mode (restricted operation), preventing unintentional contact while maintaining ease of operation when within the field of view
2Reliability
If the system switches operation modes based on field of view position, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines whether the distal end of the surgical instrument is inside or outside the endoscope's field of view and autonomously switches between operation modes without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This self-service approach enhances safety while minimizing the added complexity for the user, as the system manages the complexity internally
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system according to one or more embodiments may include: a first manipulator supporting an endoscope; a second manipulator supporting a surgical instrument; an operating device configured to receive a command to operate the surgical instrument; and a controller configured to operate, when a distal end of the surgical instrument is located in the field of view of the endoscope, the surgical instrument in a first operation mode that controls the operation of the surgical instrument according to the command, and to change, when the distal end of the surgical instrument is located outside the field of view of the endoscope, the operation of the surgical instrument from the first operation mode to a second operation mode.