Uterine Manipulator Imaging Overlay for Precise Hysterectomy Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical instruments and robotic systems face challenges in efficiently navigating and positioning medical instruments within the body during minimally invasive procedures, particularly in hysterectomies, due to limitations in maneuverability and ergonomic design, which can lead to increased friction and awkward arm motions for physicians.

Innovation Solution

A robotically-enabled medical system with a uterine manipulator that includes a colpotomy cup and a balloon mechanism, allowing for precise positioning and navigation of instruments through the cervicovaginal junction, enhanced imaging, and ergonomic operation, enabling single-user control and improved ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a robotic system is used to control medical instruments remotely, then the clinician can operate from a distance, but the system complexity and setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinician operation distanceVSAvoidrobotic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the clinician and the patient, allowing remote operation through a master controller that translates clinician inputs into precise instrument movements. This mediator enables distance operation while managing the complexity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical manipulation with a robotic system that uses servo motors and automated control mechanisms. This substitution allows remote operation while the system manages complexity through electronic control rather than direct mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of the uterus is performed during hysterectomy, then direct control is achieved, but friction and awkward arm motions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control directnessVSAvoidfriction and awkward motions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system replaces manual mechanical manipulation with automated robotic arms that can precisely position and manipulate the uterus. This substitution eliminates friction and awkward arm motions by using motorized control with smooth, programmable movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system provides dynamic control of the uterus manipulation, allowing real-time adjustment of position and orientation. The system can adapt movements to minimize friction and avoid awkward motions through automated positioning algorithms and flexible joint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If precise positioning of instruments through the cervicovaginal junction is required, then maneuverability must be high, but the risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument maneuverabilityVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about instrument position and tissue response. This feedback allows the system to adjust movements to achieve precise positioning while minimizing tissue damage risk through controlled, monitored manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic control to achieve precise positioning through the cervicovaginal junction. The robotic arms can adapt their movement speed, force, and trajectory in real-time to navigate complex anatomy safely, reducing tissue damage risk while maintaining high maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system provides enhanced maneuverability and ergonomic operation, reducing friction and awkward motions, allowing for precise instrument placement and improved procedural efficiency during hysterectomies and other minimally invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A robotically-enabled medical system with a uterine manipulator that includes a colpotomy cup and a balloon mechanism, allowing for precise positioning and navigation of instruments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260069314A1Uterine manipulator control with presentation of critical structures

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A system includes a uterine manipulator having a shaft. The uterine manipulator is coupled with the robotic arm. An imaging instrument is operable to provide an image of an exterior of the uterus of the patient. A console includes a display screen and is configured to provide a view from the imaging instrument of the exterior of the uterus of the patient, on the display screen. The console is further configured to provide an indicator on the view from the imaging instrument, on the display screen, the indicator indicating a location of a predefined anatomical structure, the indicator being provided as an overlay on the predefined anatomical structure.