Surgical Power Tool Haptic Control Near Tissue Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld power tools in computer-assisted surgery lack feedback mechanisms to ensure safe and precise operation, particularly near boundaries or target volumes during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power tool, a battery, and a control unit with wireless receivers and haptic actuators that adjust, regulate, or interrupt electrical current based on tracking data, and include vibration sensors to manage tool vibrations, ensuring safe operation near boundaries or target volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If handheld power tools are used in computer-assisted surgery, then surgical efficiency and precision are improved, but lack of feedback mechanisms reduces safety and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including haptic feedback actuators that provide tactile resistance when approaching boundary zones, visual feedback through displays showing real-time tool position relative to target volumes and boundaries, and audio feedback signals. This allows surgeons to maintain high surgical efficiency while having continuous feedback about tool position and safety zones, resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the surgeon and the power tool motor. It receives input from the surgeon, processes it along with boundary zone data from the database, and regulates motor operation accordingly. This intermediary layer enables safety control without directly interfering with surgical efficiency by translating surgeon intent into regulated tool operation.
2Reliability
If control mechanisms are added to provide safety feedback, then safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it regulates motor operation based on boundary zones, tracks tool position, manages haptic feedback, controls visual displays, and processes audio feedback. By consolidating these diverse safety and feedback functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent improves safety control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that integrates multiple subsystems (motor control, tracking, haptic feedback, display, audio). Rather than having separate complex systems for each function, the intermediary control unit coordinates them all, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety control capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If real-time control and feedback systems are implemented, then surgical precision and safety are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit updates haptic feedback, visual displays, and audio signals at periodic intervals based on tool position changes and boundary proximity, rather than continuously at maximum rate. This periodic update approach maintains high surgical precision and safety feedback while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous maximum-rate operation of all feedback systems.
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
Enhances surgical precision and safety by providing real-time feedback and control over power tool operation, reducing the risk of unintended tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The controller can include one or more vibration sensors, one or more haptic actuators
Implementation Method 2
The controller can include one or more vibration sensors, one or more haptic actuators
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems for performing a surgical procedure using a power tool or power instrument with systems, devices and/or control units for reducing vibration of the power tool or power instrument.