Surgical Tool Feedback System for Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In spinal fusion procedures, surgeons face challenges in accurately interpreting tactile and acoustic feedback from instruments due to noisy operating environments, requiring significant training and potentially compromising the surgical environment by moving closer to the wound.
Innovation Solution
A surgical feedback system that electronically amplifies and processes acoustic and vibration signals within the 20 Hz to 20 KHz range, allowing for enhanced feedback to surgeons through amplified and filtered signals, and potentially visual alerts, to improve procedural accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons rely on tactile and acoustic feedback from instruments, then they can monitor tissue conditions during surgery, but the noisy operating environment makes accurate interpretation difficult and requires significant training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic sensors and signal processing systems as intermediaries between the surgical instruments and the surgeon. Microphones capture acoustic signals from instrument-tissue interactions, and these signals are electronically amplified and filtered to enhance relevant frequencies while suppressing background noise, making subtle tissue interaction signals detectable without requiring surgeon proximity or extensive training
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/acoustic feedback system with an electronic sensing and processing system. Instead of relying on the surgeon's ear to detect subtle acoustic signals directly from the surgical site, electronic microphones and signal processing circuits convert and enhance these signals, substituting electronic detection for human sensory detection
2Measurement precision
If surgeons move their head closer to the open wound to hear acoustic signals, then they can better detect tissue interaction sounds, but this compromises the surgical environment
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic microphones positioned near the surgical site act as intermediaries to capture acoustic signals without requiring the surgeon to move close to the wound. The microphones transmit these signals through electronic amplification and filtering to the surgeon's listening device, eliminating the need for physical proximity while maintaining signal detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the signal capture function from the signal reception function. The microphone captures acoustic signals at the surgical site, while the surgeon receives processed signals through headphones or speakers at a distance. This segmentation allows the surgeon to maintain proper surgical positioning without compromising signal detection
3Measurement precision
If surgeons require significant training to interpret tactile and acoustic feedback, then they can achieve accurate tissue monitoring, but this increases the complexity of surgeon qualification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic feedback systems that provide real-time, enhanced acoustic and tactile signals to the surgeon. Sensors continuously monitor instrument-tissue interactions and provide amplified feedback through headphones or display devices, allowing surgeons to detect tissue characteristics without extensive training on subtle acoustic cues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic sensing and processing for human sensory interpretation. Electronic microphones, force sensors, and signal processing algorithms replace the need for surgeon expertise in interpreting subtle acoustic and tactile cues, converting complex physical interactions into easily interpretable electronic signals
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
The system enhances the surgeon's ability to discern tissue types and provides clear, audible feedback, reducing the need for proximity to the wound and improving surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to collect at least one of an acoustic signal or a vibration signal
Implementation Method 2
the control unit may amplify the collected signal
Implementation Method 3
shift a frequency of the acoustic signal to a frequency optimized for human hearing
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool includes a functional tool, a functional tip, at least one sensor, and a control unit. The functional tool has a shaft and a distal end. The functional tip is positioned at the distal end of the housing; at least one sensor is configured to generate a first signal indicative of at least one of an acoustic signal or a vibration signal generated by the functional tool. The control unit receives the first signal, analyzes the first signal to determine tissue type in contact with the functional tip and supplies a second signal to the functional tool to control at least one operation of the functional tool based upon the tissue type in contact with the functional tip.