Surgical Tool Orientation Markings for Laparoscopic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgeries, surgeons face challenges in maintaining the orientation of surgical tools relative to the control unit due to divided attention between the actual tool and the endoscope image on a display, often leading to trial-and-error adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus with markings on the distal region of the tool and corresponding markers on the controller allows surgeons to quickly determine the attitude of the articulating member, enabling precise directional movements without needing to reestablish orientation by trial and error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the surgeon observes the endoscope image on the display, then the surgical procedure can be visualized, but the surgeon loses track of the surgical tool orientation relative to the control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by placing identical orientation markers on both the control unit and the surgical tool. These markers create a visual copy of the tool's orientation state on the controller, allowing the surgeon to mentally map the relationship between controller movements and tool movements without needing to directly observe the tool during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If the surgeon moves the controller by trial and error to determine tool response, then the tool orientation can be reestablished, but significant time is lost during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the orientation relationship between the control unit and surgical tool through the marker system. The markers are positioned in advance to indicate directional correspondence, so when the surgeon needs to reestablish orientation, the pre-configured visual cues immediately provide the correct directional mapping without requiring trial-and-error exploration.
3Loss of information
If the surgeon diverts attention from the surgical tool to the display, then the surgical field can be observed, but the spatial relationship between tool and controller is forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by providing continuous visual orientation markers on both the controller and surgical tool that show the spatial relationship between them. This visual feedback system allows the surgeon to maintain awareness of the tool's orientation relative to the controller even when attention is focused on the display, enabling more reliable and accurate control decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus for guiding the movement of a surgical tool in relation to the surrounding anatomy of a patient includes a surgical tool having an articulation member. The apparatus also has an image capturing device, a monitor, a control member, and at least one marker on the surgical tool for determining an orientation and attitude of the surgical tool in relation to the visual image on the monitor. The image capturing device takes visual images of the articulating member. The monitor displays the visual images taken by the image capturing device. The control member operates and guides movement of the articulating member. The marker can be colors, symbols, letters, number, or in any combination thereof. An endoscope and a display may also be included.