Surgical Probe with Surface Sensors for Tissue Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical procedures for tissue resection, such as hysterectomy, face challenges in preventing the dispersion of potentially malignant tissue during the removal process, as existing devices lack precise control over the cutting device's proximity to the organ surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe with a cutting member and sensors, such as capacitance, impedance, optical, or ultrasound mechanisms, to detect the organ surface and generate alerts or modulate the cutting action to prevent perforation, ensuring the cutting member remains within a safe proximity to the surface, thereby preventing tissue dispersion.
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 removal efficiency is improved, but the risk of perforating the organ surface and dispersing malignant tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects the organ surface position before the cutting device reaches it, allowing the system to prepare protective actions (alert signals, automatic shutdown) in advance. This preliminary detection prevents perforation by ensuring the cutting device stops before breaching the organ surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors the distance between the cutting device and organ surface, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of cutting device operation, maintaining safe distances while maximizing tissue removal efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If the cutting device is allowed to approach closer to the organ surface, then more tissue can be removed, but the precision required to prevent surface perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated sensor-based control system. The sensor optically detects organ surface position and the control system automatically adjusts cutting device depth, eliminating the need for manual precision judgment and reducing operator burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the cutting device and organ surface, measuring distance and translating it into control signals. This intermediary system handles the precision requirements, allowing the cutting device to operate closer to the surface while maintaining safety margins.
3Reliability
If sensors are added to detect organ surface proximity, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves as an intermediary component that bridges the cutting device and organ surface, providing essential safety information without requiring complex integration. The sensor optically detects surface position and communicates with the control system through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it processes sensor signals, determines safe cutting depths, generates alert signals, and controls device operation. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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 system effectively allows for the removal of a substantial volume of tissue without perforating the organ surface, maintaining the integrity of the organ's surface and preventing malignant tissue dispersion, enhancing the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a capacitance sensing mechanism, an impedance sensing mechanism, an optical sensing mechanism, and an ultrasound mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a capacitance sensing mechanism, an impedance sensing mechanism, an optical sensing mechanism, and an ultrasound mechanism.
Implementation Method 3
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a capacitance sensing mechanism, an impedance sensing mechanism, an optical sensing mechanism, and an ultrasound mechanism.
Implementation Method 4
The sensor can comprise a mechanism selected from a group consisting of a capacitance sensing mechanism, an impedance sensing mechanism, an optical sensing mechanism, and 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.