Surgical Port Localization Using Real-Time Endoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating surgical ports in minimally invasive surgery are not patient-specific and do not account for anatomical changes during procedures, leading to suboptimal instrument placement and increased tissue trauma and procedure times.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that utilize a port localization apparatus affixed to an endoscope, incorporating a processor and optical shape-sensing tether to determine optimal port locations based on real-time anatomical data, overlaying virtual representations of instruments onto the endoscope image to guide precise port placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard guidelines based on anatomical landmarks are used for port placement, then port placement can be performed using simple guidelines, but the placement does not account for anatomical variability and changes, leading to suboptimal instrument placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and landmark-based guidance with an optical imaging system and computer processing. The endoscope captures images, and a processor automatically determines port locations based on real-time anatomical features, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and landmark identification by surgeons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the patient's anatomy through endoscopic imaging and computer processing. This digital model allows for precise port location determination without physically marking or measuring the patient's body, enabling accurate placement while accounting for individual anatomical variations.
2Measurement precision
If preoperative 3D medical images are used for port placement planning, then optimal ports can be computed, but the spatial relationships change during surgery due to CO2 introduction, making preoperative plans obsolete
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static preoperative imaging to dynamic real-time endoscopic imaging. The endoscope continuously captures images during surgery, allowing the system to adapt port location recommendations as the patient's anatomy changes due to CO2 insufflation or other procedural factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time endoscopic images as feedback to continuously update port location determinations. The processor analyzes current anatomical conditions and adjusts recommended port locations accordingly, ensuring accuracy throughout the procedure rather than relying on outdated preoperative plans.
3Measurement precision
If virtual representation overlay is used to guide port placement, then precise patient-specific port placement can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope serves multiple functions: it provides surgical visualization and simultaneously captures images for port location determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated imaging devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining precise port placement capabilities.
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 more accurate and patient-specific port placement, reducing tissue trauma and procedure times by providing real-time anatomical data for optimal instrument positioning during minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a processor and optical shape-sensing tether to determine optimal port locations
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, device, and system are provided for placing a port (12, 22, 32) for a surgical tool (20, 30) relative to real-time anatomical data. The method comprises: placing an endoscope (10) in a standard port (12); determining real-time anatomical data from an image from the endoscope; using a port localization apparatus (210) to identify an optimal location for an instrument port relative to the image from the endoscope; and creating an instrument port at the identified location.