Virtual Simulator for Robotic Medical Instrument Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective training and simulation tools to improve the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of medical procedures involving the insertion and steering of medical instruments, as existing methods lack comprehensive simulation capabilities for robotic systems in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a computerized simulation system that allows users to plan and execute the insertion and steering of medical instruments in a virtual environment, incorporating user input for variables like instrument type, target location, obstacles, and checkpoints, with real-time trajectory calculation and feedback, enabling training and evaluation of robotic medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual simulation system is developed for training robotic medical procedures, then user training effectiveness and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the medical procedure environment, including 3D models of patient anatomy, robotic devices, and procedural tools. This virtual replica allows users to practice procedures without risking patient safety, thereby improving training effectiveness while containing complexity within the simulation realm rather than requiring complex physical training equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D medical images to immersive 3D virtual environments, adding spatial depth and realism to the training experience. This dimensional enhancement improves user understanding and procedural accuracy while the virtual nature of the third dimension avoids the complexity of physical 3D training mannequins
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time trajectory calculation is implemented in the simulation, then procedural accuracy is improved, but computational time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores anatomical data, tissue properties, and procedural parameters before the actual simulation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the simulation to perform real-time trajectory calculations with high accuracy during the procedure without excessive computational delays, as the foundation data is already processed and ready
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calculation systems with computational algorithms that can perform trajectory calculations more efficiently. By using software-based mathematical models instead of mechanical computation methods, the system achieves high trajectory accuracy while reducing computational time and processing requirements
3Reliability
If comprehensive test scenarios are created for validating the clinical system, then system reliability is improved, but development time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual simulation system is designed to serve multiple functions: training users, validating the clinical robotic system, testing various procedural scenarios, and evaluating different anatomical cases. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive validation of the clinical system without requiring separate dedicated testing infrastructure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining validation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system allows dynamic adjustment of procedural parameters, anatomical variations, and procedural conditions to create comprehensive test scenarios. By changing parameters within the virtual environment rather than requiring physical reconfiguration for each test case, the system can efficiently validate the clinical system across multiple scenarios, improving reliability without proportionally increasing development time
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are simulation systems and methods for simulation of planning and executing a procedure for robotic insertion and/or steering of a medical instrument toward an internal target.