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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Productivity
If the surgical robotic system automatically determines port length, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision requirements increase
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.
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.
3Reliability
If the system disables instrument operation until user confirmation, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity is reduced
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.
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.
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.
Data Source
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.


