Trocar with Modular Obturator Head and Integrated Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invasive medical procedures often require precise guidance for inserting medical probes into organs, but conventional trocars are inserted 'blindly' without clear visualization of the target tissue, limiting the accuracy and quality of the procedure, especially in confined spaces like the brain, where visual guidance is crucial but obstructed by the trocar's design.
Innovation Solution
A trocar equipped with an internal camera and a position sensor, allowing real-time imaging and location tracking, which registers the camera's images with reference medical images to provide accurate visualization and positioning, enabling precise insertion and navigation within the organ without obstructing the camera's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an internal camera is added to the trocar for visual guidance, then the visualization capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated within the trocar structure, with the lens positioned at the distal end and the sensor located within the cannula body. This nested arrangement allows the camera system to be contained within the existing trocar geometry without requiring external mounting structures, thereby improving visualization while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar design combines multiple functions into a single device: the cannula serves as both the structural body and the housing for the camera sensor, the distal end provides both the entry point and the camera lens position, and the obturator serves dual purposes for tissue penetration and camera protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
2Measurement precision
If a position sensor is added to track trocar location, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is combined with the camera sensor in a single integrated sensor assembly located within the cannula. Both sensors share the same housing and data processing pathway, allowing position and image data to be collected simultaneously without requiring separate sensor mounting structures or independent processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves dual functions: the camera sensor captures visual images of the target tissue while the position sensor simultaneously tracks the trocar's spatial location. This multi-functional sensor assembly eliminates the need for separate positioning and imaging systems
3Loss of information
If the camera is positioned at the distal end for optimal viewing, then the field of view is improved, but the risk of obstructing the view with the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens and sensor are positioned asymmetrically within the distal end structure, with the lens extending further toward the distal opening while the sensor is offset to the side. This asymmetric arrangement allows the lens to capture a wide field of view through the distal opening while the sensor remains positioned to minimize obstruction of the optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system utilizes a tilted sensor orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the trocar. By angling the sensor plane, the system captures images in a direction optimized for viewing the distal opening while the sensor itself is positioned in a different spatial dimension that reduces its shadow and obstruction of the light path
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular interchangeable obturator heads are used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obturator is divided into two separable components: a reusable proximal portion containing the shaft and connection interface, and interchangeable distal portions (heads) with different geometries. This segmentation allows the distal head to be changed between procedures to match different surgical requirements while the main shaft remains the same
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between the proximal and distal portions employs a dynamic locking mechanism that allows for quick attachment and detachment of different obturator heads. The mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling rapid reconfiguration of the trocar for different surgical needs without requiring complex assembly procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A trocar for insertion into an organ of a patient includes a cannula, an obturator body, and two or more interchangeable obturator heads. The cannula has a longitudinal axis. The obturator body is configured to be inserted into the cannula. The two or more interchangeable obturator heads are each configured to be detachably fitted at a distal end of the obturator body.