Surgical Robotic Tissue Feedback Using Visual, Audio, and Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical robotic systems lack effective methods for communicating tissue information and instrument interaction data to surgeons in real-time during procedures, limiting the surgeon's ability to make informed decisions.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates real-time tissue information detection, such as fluorescence imaging and computer vision, with visual, auditory, and tactile feedback to provide surgeons with overlays, audio cues, and haptic feedback on the surgical console, allowing for immediate communication of tissue health, type, and interaction data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time tissue information detection and multiple feedback channels are integrated, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feedback channels (visual overlays, auditory cues, and haptic feedback) into a single integrated surgical robotic system. The tissue information detection system merges fluorescence imaging, computer vision, and force sensing capabilities to provide comprehensive real-time information through multiple simultaneous feedback modalities, resolving the contradiction by consolidating complex functions into a unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse tissue information detection methods (fluorescence, computer vision, force sensing) and deliver information through multiple feedback channels. This universal platform can adapt to different surgical scenarios and information types, improving information completeness while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and protocols.
2Ease of operation
If multiple feedback channels are used to communicate tissue information, then information delivery effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a comprehensive feedback system with three distinct channels: visual overlays displayed on the surgical console, auditory cues provided through speakers, and haptic feedback through the robotic manipulators. Each feedback channel provides complementary information about tissue characteristics, enabling surgeons to receive and process tissue information through their preferred sensory modalities, thereby improving information delivery effectiveness.
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
Enables surgeons to receive immediate and comprehensive tissue information through visual, auditory, and tactile feedback, enhancing their decision-making during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Some surgical imaging systems offer intra-operative tissue diagnostic capability using fluorescence. Often fluorescence imaging relies on the introduction of fluorescent agents (such as indocyanine green (ICG)) that are administered to tissue and illuminated with a certain wavelength of light.
Implementation Method 2
computer vision can be used to identify the boundaries of surgical instruments 'seen' by the surgical scope within the operative site
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying tissue information on a display screen includes a camera capturing an image of an anatomical working site including a surgical instrument, and a display displaying the image. A tissue information detection device determines information about the health, pathology etc. of tissue in contact with a surgical instrument, or about an interaction between the surgical instrument and the tissue. The system renders overlays depicting the tissue information with the image on the display.