Surgical Probe Distal Jaw Imaging Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in accurately manipulating and visualizing tissue and surgical constructs within patient cavities, particularly when anatomical features are occluded from traditional surgical scopes.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus with an elongated probe and a distal jaw that includes an imaging device to capture image data in a field of view distally directed from the probe, allowing for improved visualization of occluded features and precise alignment of surgical instruments within the patient cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional surgical scopes are used for visualization, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but anatomical features are occluded from view and precise alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging device with the distal jaw assembly of the surgical instrument, integrating visualization capabilities directly into the surgical tool. This merging allows the surgical instrument to provide both mechanical function (grasping, manipulating tissue) and imaging function (capturing and transmitting visual data) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate traditional surgical scopes and reducing information loss about anatomical features.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the patient cavity, providing real-time visual feedback that bridges the gap created by tissue occlusion. The captured image data is transmitted to a display device, allowing the surgeon to see anatomical features that would otherwise be hidden, enabling precise alignment and manipulation without direct line-of-sight.
2Measurement precision
If the distal jaw is used to manipulate tissue without imaging, then the device structure remains simple, but accurate targeting of objects and avoidance of neighboring tissue cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is integrated into the distal jaw assembly, combining the mechanical manipulation function with the imaging function in a single unified structure. This allows the surgeon to see exactly what the distal jaw is interacting with in real-time, enabling precise targeting of objects and accurate avoidance of neighboring tissue while maintaining a cohesive device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device provides real-time visual feedback about the position and action of the distal jaw relative to anatomical features. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to continuously monitor and adjust the manipulation accuracy, ensuring precise targeting and safe avoidance of critical structures during the surgical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If elongated probes are used to access patient cavities, then minimally invasive procedures are enabled, but visualization of occluded regions and precise instrument alignment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device integrated into the elongated probe acts as an intermediary that overcomes the limitations of remote access. By capturing image data from within the patient cavity and transmitting it externally, the system provides real-time visualization of occluded regions, allowing the surgeon to see and navigate to the target site despite the distance and tissue barriers created by the elongated probe design.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging capability adds a visual dimension to the elongated probe's function. Instead of relying solely on tactile feedback and indirect visualization through traditional scopes, the integrated imaging device provides direct visual information from the distal end of the probe, creating a new dimension of situational awareness that enables precise navigation and manipulation deep within patient cavities.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes an elongated probe extending from a proximal handle portion to a distal jaw. In operation, the distal jaw may be actuated via an actuator assembly in connection with the handle portion. The distal jaw may be utilized to manipulate or grasp patient tissue, sutures, or various objects associated with a procedure that may be encountered in a patient cavity. An imaging device is in connection with the probe proximal to the distal jaw. In operation, the imaging device may capture image data in a field of view distally directed from the elongated probe. The image data captured in the field of view may assist an operator in targeting objects to be grasped or clamped within the distal jaw while avoiding unintentional contact with neighboring tissue within the patient cavity.