Surgical Robotic Access Port Length Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical robotic systems lack the ability to automatically identify and adapt to varying lengths of access ports, which can differ significantly between patients based on their habitus, potentially leading to inefficiencies and safety issues during minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical robotic system equipped with a robotic arm featuring sensors, such as strain gauges, that measure torque to determine a patient's habitus and recommend suitable access port lengths, prompting user confirmation before enabling instrument operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the surgical robotic system uses a fixed access port length, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different patient habitus deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to patient habitus
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the access port length selection based on real-time torque measurements from patient tissue interaction. The controller adjusts the recommended port length according to the measured torque values, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that responds to patient-specific conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of access port length based on torque measurements. By measuring torque at different joint positions and comparing it to threshold values, the system determines appropriate port length parameters (standard or extended) to accommodate different patient habitus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the surgical robotic system automatically determines port length, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport selection efficiencyVSAvoidtorque measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously measuring torque at robotic arm joints during patient interaction and using this information to automatically determine the appropriate access port length. The measured torque values are fed back to the controller, which compares them against threshold values to make port length recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual assessment of patient habitus with an automated mechanical measurement system using torque sensors. Instead of relying on visual inspection or manual measurement, the system uses torque measurements from the robotic arm joints to objectively determine the appropriate port length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the system disables instrument operation until user confirmation, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of procedureVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by disabling instrument operation before potential harm can occur. The controller prevents instrument activation until the surgeon confirms the recommended port length is appropriate, blocking potentially harmful operations in advance while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by providing port length recommendations and requiring confirmation before instrument operation begins. This preliminary step ensures the correct port length is selected before the surgical procedure commences, preventing errors while maintaining operational efficiency through streamlined confirmation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures appropriate access port length selection based on patient habitus, enhancing procedural efficiency and safety by disabling instrument operation until user confirmation is received, thus preventing potential mechanical stress or injury.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor includes a strain gauge configured to convert a mechanical force into a sensor signal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240374328A1System and method of operating surgical robotic systems with access ports
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 COVIDIEN LP
  • US20240374328A1 patent drawing
  • US20240374328A1 patent drawing
  • US20240374328A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surgical robotic system is configured to output a recommendation for use of an access port based on a determined habitus of a patient. The system includes a robotic arm including at least one joint having a sensor. The system also includes a controller configured to receive a measured torque of the joint from the sensor and determine a habitus of the patient based on the measured torque.