Surgical Puncture Device Motion Sensing for Precise Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical puncture device insertion systems lack effective methods for guiding the insertion of puncture devices through patient tissue to access internal patient cavities, often relying on manual manipulation and lacking real-time feedback to ensure safe and precise puncture creation.

Innovation Solution

A medical puncture system that includes a puncture device, a sensor, and an indicator system, where the sensor generates signals indicative of the motion of the puncture device through tissue, and the indicator system provides human-perceptible feedback to guide the creation of the puncture, or autonomously controls the movement of the puncture device to ensure safe insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual manipulation is used for puncture device insertion, then operator flexibility is maintained, but real-time feedback and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture positioning precisionVSAvoidinsertion system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements sensor systems that detect puncture device position, tissue impedance, and force applied during insertion. This feedback is processed by a controller that provides real-time guidance to the operator through visual or haptic interfaces, enabling precise puncture positioning while maintaining operator control and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the operator and the puncture device. The controller receives sensor data, processes it according to safety parameters and target coordinates, and provides guidance signals to the operator, thereby enhancing precision without requiring direct complex automation of the insertion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automated control is implemented for puncture device movement, then insertion precision is improved, but operator control and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion safetyVSAvoidoperator control ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial automation where the controller provides guidance signals and safety monitoring, but the operator maintains final control over the puncture device insertion. The system automates specific functions such as position tracking and safety parameter monitoring while leaving adaptive decision-making to the operator, achieving enhanced reliability without sacrificing operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time sensor feedback is provided during insertion, then puncture accuracy is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture creation precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor system into modular components: position sensors, force sensors, and impedance sensors, each providing specific feedback. The controller processes these segmented data streams independently and integrates them into comprehensive guidance, enabling precise puncture creation while managing system complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the puncture device is manually inserted without guidance, then system simplicity is maintained, but the risk of human error and unsafe insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion risk to patientVSAvoidguidance system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming safety parameters, target coordinates, and insertion pathways before the procedure begins. The controller compares real-time sensor data against these pre-established parameters, providing proactive guidance and alerts before unsafe conditions occur, thereby reducing insertion risks without requiring complex real-time decision algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3525696B1Surgical puncture device insertion systems
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC
  • EP3525696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3525696B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A medical puncture device system includes a puncture device, a sensor, and an indicator system. The puncture device is configured to create a puncture through patient tissue and into an internal patient cavity to enable a medical tool to be inserted through the puncture into the cavity. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of motion of the puncture device through the tissue into the cavity. The indicator system is operable by a controller to produce human-perceptible feedback in response to the signal generated by the sensor.