Surgical Probe with Proximity Sensor for Safe Tissue Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic hysterectomies, face challenges in preventing the dispersion of potentially malignant tissue during tissue resection, as existing methods lack effective means to monitor the proximity of cutting devices to organ surfaces, risking perforation and tissue spread.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe with a cutting member and sensors, such as capacitance, impedance, optical, or ultrasound mechanisms, to detect proximity to the organ surface, generating alerts and controlling the cutting device to prevent surface breach, allowing for safe resection and removal of tissue without perforating the organ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cutting device is used to remove tissue from the interior of an organ, then tissue resection efficiency is improved, but the risk of perforating the organ surface and dispersing malignant tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned ahead of the cutting member to detect the organ surface before the cutter reaches it. This preliminary detection allows the system to warn the operator or automatically stop the cutting action before perforation occurs, thus maintaining organ integrity while enabling efficient tissue resection
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the distance between the cutting member and organ surface using the sensor, providing real-time feedback to the operator through visual or audible alerts. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of cutting depth to prevent surface breach while maximizing tissue removal efficiency
2Productivity
If the cutting device advances through the organ surface to remove tissue, then complete tissue removal is achieved, but malignant tissue dispersion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the organ surface position before the cutting member reaches it, enabling the system to stop the cutting action at the precise moment before surface penetration. This preliminary detection prevents malignant tissue from being exposed to the external environment while still allowing complete internal tissue removal
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the cutting device and the organ surface, providing early warning of approaching surface contact. This intermediary detection system enables the operator to stop cutting before malignant tissue breaches the surface barrier
3Reliability
If sensors are added to detect cutting device proximity to organ surface, then organ surface integrity is protected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical depth measurement mechanisms with simpler electronic sensors that can accurately detect the distance to the organ surface through non-contact or minimal-contact methods, reducing mechanical complexity while improving detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is integrated into the existing cutting device structure, allowing the same device to perform both tissue cutting and surface proximity detection functions. This multi-functionality approach avoids the need for separate monitoring equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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 precise resection and removal of tissue while maintaining the organ's surface integrity, preventing malignant tissue dispersion and ensuring safe extraction, applicable in various surgical procedures beyond hysterectomies.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of: a capacitance sensing mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of: an impedance sensing mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of: an optical sensing mechanism
Implementation Method 4
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of: an ultrasound mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices for resecting and removing tissue or organs from the interior of a patient's body, in a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure while preventing any dispersion of potentially malignant tissue during the resection process.