Wearable Interface for Laparoscopic Endoscope Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery interfaces, such as those using head-mounted light sources, voice-operated systems, and directional key interfaces, divert the surgeon's focus from the primary task and fail to effectively communicate which instrument the surgeon is attending to, leading to difficulties in maintaining a stable endoscope view and efficient surgical workflow.
Innovation Solution
A wearable interface system with wireless transmitters and receivers, integrated with a laparoscopy computerized system, allows the surgeon to select and confirm the focus on specific surgical instruments using a wireless operator, enabling the endoscope to be automatically adjusted to the desired instrument, thereby improving the interface between the surgeon and the endoscope system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If head-mounted light sources or voice-operated interfaces are used to control the endoscope, then the surgeon can adjust the camera view, but the surgeon's focus is diverted from the primary surgical task
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks and follows the surgical instrument without requiring surgeon intervention. The automated assistant monitors instrument position and adjusts the endoscope view autonomously, eliminating the need for surgeon attention to be diverted to camera control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or voice-operated control interfaces with an automated optical tracking system. Sensors detect instrument position and the system automatically translates this data into endoscope positioning, substituting mechanical/voice interfaces with an automated detection-and-response system.
2Ease of operation
If manual assistants hold the endoscope, then the surgeon can perform the operation with both hands, but it is difficult to keep the scene upright and stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect instrument position in real-time, and an automated assistant electronically controls the endoscope positioning, eliminating human error and providing stable, consistent image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring instrument position through sensors and automatically adjusting the endoscope view in response. This closed-loop control maintains scene stability by constantly adapting to instrument movement while keeping the surgical field upright and centered.
3Ease of operation
If directional key interfaces are used to control the endoscope, then the camera view can be adjusted, but the operation becomes cumbersome and interrupts surgical flow
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system serves itself by automatically tracking and positioning the endoscope based on instrument location. This eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually operate directional controls, allowing continuous surgical workflow without interruptions for camera adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous automatic tracking of the surgical instrument, ensuring the endoscope view remains appropriately positioned throughout the procedure. This continuous automated action eliminates the start-stop nature of directional key operation, maintaining uninterrupted surgical flow.
4Measurement precision
If automated assistants are used to shift the endoscope, then the camera view can be directed accurately, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control interface from the system, eliminating the need for complex directional keys or voice commands. The automated assistant operates autonomously based on sensor data, removing the interface layer entirely and simplifying the system while maintaining precise camera positioning through automated optical tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes at least two laparoscopic instruments having distal portions positionable in a body cavity. An endoscopic camera is carried by a robotic automated assistant and is positionable in the body cavity to capture images of a surgical site and the distal portions of the laparoscopic instruments. At least one computerized platform is configured for receiving input from a user input device indicating a user selection of a selected one of the laparoscopic instruments, visually identifying the selected one of said laparoscopic instruments using a graphic designator on said displayed images of the surgical site, tracking the selected laparoscopic instrument using image information received from said endoscopic camera, and causing the automated assistant to maneuver the endoscopic camera so as to focus said endoscope on s the selected laparoscopic instrument.