Surgical Table Control Device Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical procedures, there is a risk of inaccurately positioning a surgical table when the surgeon is not directly controlling it, especially in complex procedures or robotic surgeries, due to potential miscommunication or misunderstanding between the surgeon and the person adjusting the table.
Innovation Solution
A surgical table control device with a user interface and device control circuitry that allows users to suggest and confirm the position of movable sections, sending signals to actuators to adjust the table accurately, even when the surgeon is remote from the table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the surgeon is not directly controlling the surgical table (e.g., performing complex procedures or operating from a remote console), then the surgeon can focus on the surgical procedure, but the positioning accuracy of the surgical table deteriorates due to potential miscommunication or misunderstanding
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical table control device provides visual feedback by displaying the current position of the surgical table and the suggested position on a display screen. The system shows whether the table has reached the suggested position, enabling the person controlling the table to verify positioning accuracy in real-time and make appropriate adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's positioning instructions and the actual table positioning. It receives suggested positions from the surgeon, processes them through the control circuitry, and translates them into precise motor control signals that move the surgical table to the exact desired position, eliminating communication errors.
2Ease of operation
If a person other than the surgeon controls the surgical table, then the surgeon can remain focused on the procedure, but the reliability of positioning deteriorates due to potential misunderstanding of instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual feedback by comparing the current table position with the suggested position and displaying the status on a screen. This allows the person controlling the table to verify whether the table has reached the correct position, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring the surgeon to directly control the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device displays a visual representation or copy of the suggested position and current position on a display screen. This visual copy allows the controller to verify positioning accuracy without needing to interpret verbal instructions from the surgeon, thereby improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the surgical table control device provides real-time position confirmation, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it receives positioning commands, processes them through control circuitry, drives motors to move the table, and displays position information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall system complexity while providing real-time position confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically monitors and displays the current position of the surgical table by reading feedback from position sensors and comparing it with the suggested position. This self-monitoring capability provides real-time position confirmation without requiring additional external monitoring equipment or manual measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical table control device (20) comprising a user interface (21) and device control circuitry (24). The user interface (21) comprises an input (22a-h) to enable a user to control movement of a corresponding movable section (14a-e) of a surgical table (10). The device control circuitry (24) is configured to receive a suggested position of the corresponding movable section (14a-e) of the surgical table (10). The device control circuitry (24) is further configured to determine when the corresponding movable section (14a-e) of the surgical table (10) is in the suggested position, and notify a user when the corresponding movable section (14a-e) of the surgical table (10) is in the suggested position. The device control circuitry (24) is further configured to, in response to an interaction of a user with the input (22a-h) of the user interface (21), send a signal to move the corresponding movable section (14a-e) of the surgical table (10) according to the interaction of the user with the input (22a-h).