Surgical Instrument Assembly with String-Shaped Light Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgery, surgeons face challenges in accurately maneuvering graspers, particularly when using needle holders, leading to increased surgery time and risk of tissue damage due to difficulties in positioning and grasping instruments.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument assembly with a light emitting arrangement that projects a string-shaped beam of light perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing for improved accuracy and safety by breaking the beam upon lateral movement of an object into the grasping space, reducing the risk of slipping or dropping the needle during suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surgical instruments without light feedback are used, then the device complexity is low, but the maneuverability and positioning accuracy of the grasper are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a light feedback system where a light source projects a light pattern onto the surgical site, and a sensor detects the position of the grasper jaws relative to this light pattern. This feedback mechanism provides real-time visual information to the surgeon about the grasper's position and orientation, enabling more precise maneuvering and positioning of the instrument during minimally invasive surgery.
2Measurement precision
If optical systems are added to improve vision, then the measurement precision of surgical site is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light pattern as an intermediary element between the surgical instrument and the surgeon's visual system. The light pattern serves as a reference framework that mediates the measurement and positioning process, allowing the surgeon to accurately determine the position and orientation of the grasper jaws without requiring complex direct measurement systems integrated into the instrument itself.
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
The surgical instrument assembly enhances maneuverability and accuracy, minimizing the risk of tissue damage and reducing surgery time by providing clear visual feedback on the position of the grasper relative to the object, thus improving the precision of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for projecting a string-shaped beam of light comprising a string shape perpendicular to an optical axis of the beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a surgical instrument assembly for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical instrument assembly comprises a light emitting arrangement and a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has a distal end and a proximal end and comprises a handle portion at its proximal end and a grasper at its distal end, the grasper comprising at least two jaws and having a closed grasper position and an open position where a grasping space is formed between the jaws. The light emitting arrangement comprises a light source for generating light and a projector for projecting at least a beam of light comprising a string shape perpendicular to the optical axis of the beam of light. At least the projector of the light emitting arrangement is at least temporally fixed to the surgical instrument proximally to the jaws and is arranged to project the string shaped beam of light such that it will be broken upon a lateral movement of an object into the grasping space.