Ureteroscope Handle Laser Control Within the Sterile Field
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical settings, controlling laser energy for medical procedures is challenging due to the need for manual adjustment outside the sterile field, increasing the risk of sterilization issues and user error, especially when the user is occupied with other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows for controlling laser instruments from within the sterile field using a handle-mounted interface, enabling adjustments to laser parameters and activation/deactivation through a remote interface on a ureteroscope handle, allowing operators to manipulate both the instrument and adjust settings without leaving the sterile area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laser control is performed from outside the sterile field using a hand-based control module, then the operator can adjust laser settings, but the risk of contamination and sterilization issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter is introduced as an intermediary component that couples the non-sterile laser control module to the sterile ureteroscope. This adapter creates a sterile barrier that allows control signals to pass through while preventing contamination, enabling the operator to control the laser from outside the sterile field without compromising sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate sterile and non-sterile components. The ureteroscope and its distal portion remain sterile and are inserted into the patient, while the control module remains outside the sterile field. The sterile adapter segments the connection between these two zones, allowing functional integration while maintaining sterility boundaries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator uses a hand-based control module to adjust laser settings, then laser parameters can be modified, but the operator cannot simultaneously perform surgical tasks with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile adapter acts as a mediator that transfers control functionality from the external hand-based module to the operator's hand that is already holding the ureteroscope. This allows the operator to adjust laser settings using the same hand that manipulates the scope, freeing the other hand for surgical tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the control module is placed outside the sterile field, then it remains accessible to the operator, but touching it while performing the procedure introduces sterilization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile adapter serves as a protective intermediary that the operator can touch while maintaining sterility. It creates a defined boundary between sterile and non-sterile zones, allowing the operator to interact with the control system without compromising the sterility of the surgical field or risking contamination.
4Ease of operation
If a foot pedal assembly is used to control laser parameters, then hands-free operation is enabled, but precise parameter adjustment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the foot pedal assembly for hands-free activation with the hand-based control module for precise parameter adjustment. The sterile adapter integrates these two control methods, allowing the operator to use foot pedals for simple on/off control while using hand-based controls for detailed parameter tuning, combining the advantages of both approaches.
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 control over laser instruments within the sterile field, reducing the risk of contamination and user error, and simplifying procedures by allowing operators to manage settings from within the sterile environment.
Implementation Method 1
Laser energy is used in a wide variety of medical procedures, including urology... Various procedures, and even different portions of the same procedure, often require different levels and intensities of laser energy, which are delivered to cauterize, ablate, break-up, or otherwise treat tissue or other material in a patient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system for providing a medical treatment, including a first medical instrument and a second medical instrument is disclosed. The first medical instrument includes a first operator interface configured to define a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument. The second medical instrument includes a second operator interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters. The first operator interface is configured for placement and use outside of a sterile field and the second operator interface is configured for placement and use within the sterile field. The second operator interface is attached to or attachable to a handle of the second medical instrument. The handle is configured for manipulation by a hand of the operator and the second operator interface is configured for interaction with one or more extremities of the same hand.