Viewing Trocar Prism Aligns Angled Endoscope Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of angled endoscopes in initial port creation during endoscopic surgical procedures is inefficient and costly due to misalignment with viewing trocars, requiring separate non-angled endoscopes for initial ports, which are inconvenient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light refracting element, such as a prism, into the viewing trocar or angled endoscope to align the endoscope's field of view with the trocar's window, allowing angled endoscopes to be used for initial port creation by bending light to match the trocar's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-angled endoscope is used with a viewing trocar for initial port creation, then the endoscope's field of view aligns with the trocar's window, but a separate non-angled endoscope is required which is inconvenient, costly, and wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
A prism is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the angled endoscope and the viewing trocar window. The prism refracts light at a specific angle to redirect the endoscope's field of view so that it aligns with the trocar's window, enabling compatibility between angled endoscopes and viewing trocars without requiring separate non-angled endoscopes
Solution Approach 2:
The prism changes the angular parameter of light transmission by refracting light at a predetermined angle (e.g., 30 degrees). This parameter change allows the endoscope's optical axis to be redirected to match the trocar's viewing angle, resolving the alignment issue while maintaining angled endoscope usage
2Adaptability or versatility
If an angled endoscope is used directly without a prism, then the procedure uses commonly preferred angled endoscopes, but the field of view does not align with the trocar's window
Solution Approach 1:
The prism serves as an intermediary that bridges the angular mismatch between the angled endoscope and the viewing trocar window, enabling both components to work together effectively while maintaining their respective design advantages
3Reliability
If a viewing trocar with window and hollow portion is used, then the trocar tip can be observed during insertion, but complex optical components are required to achieve proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The prism is a relatively simple optical intermediary component that achieves field of view alignment without requiring complex optical systems. It maintains the viewing trocar's safety function while simplifying the overall optical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The prism achieves the necessary angular adjustment through a single refraction event at a predetermined angle, rather than requiring multiple optical elements or complex alignment mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
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
This solution enables the use of angled endoscopes for entire procedures while reducing costs and fragility by eliminating the need for complex optical components and aligning the endoscope's view with the trocar's window, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk of accidental organ or vessel rupture during initial punctures.
Implementation Method 1
a light refracting element, such as a prism, into the viewing trocar or angled endoscope to align the endoscope's field of view with the trocar's window, allowing angled endoscopes to be used for initial port creation by bending light to match the trocar's field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopic light refraction imaging techniques are described for configuring a viewing trocar and/or angled endoscope with a light refracting element, such as glass and/or plastic prism for instance. The light refracting element can be utilized in and/or with the viewing trocar to refract (i.e., bend) light passing into the trocar through the trocar's window. As a result, the angled endoscope's field of view can be substantially aligned with the field of view of the trocar's window, thus allowing the angled endoscope and viewing trocar to be used together to create ports in a patient, including initial ports of endoscopic surgical procedures.