Surgical Probe Deployment and Virtual Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical robotic systems face challenges with spatial constraints and mechanical features due to the addition of multiple functional components, which complicates the actuation structures, deployable components, and electrical connections required.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system that includes a surgical instrument with movable jaw members for grasping tissue and a probe that can connect to a source of energy, movable from a retracted to a deployed position. The system also features a camera, controller, and monitor for capturing and displaying video of the tissue and surgical instrument, along with a virtual representation of the probe, to assist in precise tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional components are added to surgical instruments, then the treatment capability and versatility are improved, but the spatial constraints and mechanical complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (jaw members for grasping, probe for energy delivery, camera for visualization) into a single integrated surgical instrument. This merging approach allows the instrument to perform multiple functions (tissue grasping, energy delivery, visualization) while reducing the overall number of separate devices needed, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple surgical functions through different components. The jaw members can grasp and treat tissue, the probe can deliver energy, and the camera can capture images - all within a single instrument. This multi-functionality improves adaptability while sharing common structural and control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional components are added to surgical instruments, then the treatment capability is improved, but the spatial constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is positioned within or alongside the jaw members in a nested arrangement, allowing the probe to be housed within the overall instrument structure when not in use. This nesting approach minimizes the spatial footprint of the instrument while still accommodating all functional components (jaw members, probe, camera) within a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument components are arranged in three-dimensional space to optimize spatial utilization. The probe can extend from the jaw members in a direction that does not increase the lateral footprint, and the camera is positioned to capture images without adding significant bulk. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple functions within constrained spatial boundaries
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional components are added to surgical instruments, then the treatment capability is improved, but the actuation structures required worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument uses a universal actuation system that can control multiple functions through shared control mechanisms. The robotic arm provides standardized actuation inputs that can operate the jaw members for grasping, deploy the probe for energy delivery, and control the camera for visualization. This universal actuation approach improves treatment capability while avoiding proportional increases in actuation structure 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
The system effectively addresses spatial constraints by enabling precise control and deployment of the probe, enhancing the ability to treat tissue with precision and efficiency, while also improving the user interface through virtual representations.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture a video of a tissue and the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first or second jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical system includes a surgical instrument which includes first and second jaw members where at least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other of the first or second jaw members from a spaced apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween. At least one of the first or second jaw members is also adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members to treat tissue. The surgical instrument also includes a probe adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue in contact with the probe to treat tissue. The probe is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position. The system also includes a camera configured to capture a video of a tissue and the surgical instrument and a monitor configured to display the video of the tissue and the surgical instrument, and a virtual representation of the probe in the deployed position.