Wireless Catheter Controller for Sterile Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) systems require expensive and space-consuming control systems for navigating catheters, limiting operator mobility and increasing radiation exposure due to the need for stationary control workstations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless controller system with a command interpreter that uses location measurement devices, voice recognition, motion tracking sensors, and gesture recognition to determine sequences of instrument commands for controlling catheters and guide wires, allowing for remote operation and reducing the need for physical controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary control workstation with physical buttons and joysticks is used to control catheter instruments, then the operator can precisely control the catheter positioning, but the operator mobility is limited and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces (buttons, joysticks) with a wireless handheld controller that transmits commands wirelessly to the catheter control system. This substitution eliminates the need for a stationary control workstation, allowing the operator to move freely around the patient while maintaining precise control capabilities through wireless communication between the handheld device and the catheter control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive control system with multiple buttons and joysticks is provided to control both catheter and guide wire, then all instrument functions can be controlled, but valuable operating room space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless handheld controller is designed to provide universal control capability for both catheter and guide wire instruments through a single integrated device. The controller includes a display screen that can present various control options and a wireless transmitter that communicates with the control system, eliminating the need for separate control workstations and physical control panels while maintaining full instrument control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential control functions from the traditional stationary control workstation and concentrates them into a compact wireless handheld controller. By taking out only the necessary control capabilities and presenting them in a portable format, the system eliminates the need for large control panels and dedicated control spaces in the operating room.
3Ease of operation
If a stationary control workstation is used to minimize radiation exposure to the operator, then the operator can remain protected, but the operator is tethered to a specific location reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the operator can move the wireless handheld controller freely around the patient while maintaining real-time control of the catheter instruments. The wireless communication between the handheld device and the control system allows the operator to dynamically adjust their position for optimal viewing and control without being tethered to a stationary workstation, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A command interpreter is in communication with a wireless controller. The command interpreter is configured to identify a reference location of the wireless controller, identify a second location of the wireless controller, and determine, based on the reference location and the second location, a sequence of instrument commands configured to adjust positioning of the instrument device.