Surgical Torque Sensing for Procedure Quality Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of power tools in robot-assisted surgery reduces tactile feedback for surgeons, which can lead to surgical errors and negatively affect surgical outcomes, particularly when a surgeon is deprived of tactile feedback regarding the quality of the procedure, and the quality of the procedure is unavailable, particularly in the absence of tactile feedback, making it difficult to identify and make appropriate deviations from a preoperative plan.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor and decision support system are used to monitor the quality of a given procedure and enable appropriate adjustments to a surgical procedure and enable appropriate deviations from a surgical plan to be made, thus helping to ensure that surgical outcomes are not negatively affected by the removal of a surgeon from the direct carrying out of the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a surgical robot operates autonomously without human input during operation, then productivity and precision are improved, but the surgeon loses tactile feedback regarding procedure quality, leading to potential surgical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by equipping the power tool with a torque sensor that measures torque characteristics during surgical procedures (drilling, tapping, screw insertion). The processing unit analyzes this torque data to determine procedure quality, providing the surgeon with information feedback that replaces the lost tactile feedback. This allows the surgeon to monitor procedure quality in real-time without direct manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical tactile feedback channel (surgeon's hand sensing torque through the tool) with an electronic sensing and processing system. The torque sensor electronically measures torque characteristics, and the processing unit converts this data into meaningful quality indicators, substituting the direct mechanical feedback path with an electronic information pathway.
2Manufacturing precision
If a power tool is used during robot-assisted surgery, then manufacturing precision and consistency are improved, but the surgeon cannot directly sense procedure quality through tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The torque sensor and processing unit act as intermediaries between the power tool's mechanical operation and the surgeon's monitoring needs. The sensor captures mechanical torque data, the processing unit analyzes it against predetermined criteria, and presents quality information to the surgeon, bridging the gap between automated tool operation and surgeon oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides quality feedback to the surgeon through analyzed torque data, enabling monitoring of procedure quality despite using automated power tools. The feedback loop allows the surgeon to assess whether the procedure is proceeding according to the preoperative plan and make adjustments if necessary.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tactile feedback is removed from the surgical procedure, then automation and consistency are improved, but the ability to identify and correct procedure deviations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where torque data is continuously measured and analyzed against predetermined quality criteria. This feedback enables real-time detection of procedure deviations, allowing the surgeon to identify and correct issues while maintaining the consistency benefits of automated power tool operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predetermined criteria for evaluating torque data, which are established before the surgical procedure based on the preoperative plan. This preliminary preparation of evaluation standards enables rapid assessment of procedure quality during surgery without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A surgical system includes a power tool that generates torque; a torque sensor for measuring a torque characteristic of the power tool; a user interface; at least one processor; and a memory. The memory stores instructions for execution by the at least one processor that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: receive torque data from the torque sensor, the torque data corresponding to the measured torque characteristic; evaluate the torque data; and execute a predetermined action based on the evaluation.