Surgical Instrument Position Indicator for Obscured Cutting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgical procedures, surgeons face challenges in maintaining an accurate mental model of the position and movement of cutting elements, particularly when the cutting member is obscured by end effectors or tissue, leading to potential hazards due to unawareness of an exposed cutting element.
Innovation Solution
The system provides a visual indicator on the user interface to display the position and orientation of the cutting element, such as a knife or blade, using a motor-driven end effector with jaws, allowing surgeons to intuitively sense the knife's position and movement, even when it is not visible, and includes warnings for stalled or exposed cutting edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the cutting element is obscured by end effectors or tissue during minimally invasive surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the surgeon loses accurate awareness of the cutting element's position and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the cutting element's position and orientation on the display screen. This virtual model mirrors the actual cutting element's state, allowing the surgeon to see where the cutting element is located even when physically obscured by tissue or end effectors during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the cutting element. Instead of directly observing the cutting element through the endoscope (which may be obscured), the surgeon observes a visual representation on the display that conveys the cutting element's position and status, mediating the information flow
2Measurement precision
If the surgeon relies on endoscopic imaging to determine tool locations, then the surgical procedure can proceed, but the surgeon may not maintain an accurate mental model of cutting element positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback about the cutting element's position, orientation, and operational state on the display screen. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to constantly update their mental model of where the cutting element is and what it is doing, rather than relying on memory or indirect observation through the endoscope
3Reliability
If the cutting member remains in an exposed position due to cutting failure, then the cutting procedure may be incomplete, but it presents a hazard to the surgeon or surgical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback about the cutting element's operational state, including warnings when the cutting element is in an exposed position or when cutting failure is detected. This allows the surgeon to be alerted to potential hazards and take appropriate safety measures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary safety measures by providing visual warnings about exposed cutting elements before actual harm can occur. This allows the surgeon to take preventive actions, such as retracting the cutting element or alerting the surgical team, before a hazard materializes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for moveable element indication include a system. The system includes a robotic assembly configured to support an instrument and a processor. The instrument includes an end effector and a moveable element. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The moveable element is moveable from a first position to a second position. The processor is configured to display, on a user interface display, an image of the instrument clamping a material using the first jaw and the second jaw; and superimpose, on the image, a visual indicator of a position of the moveable element relative to the end effector.