Enhanced Surgical Instrument Steering Inputs

The present disclosure describes a suite of direct improvements and enhancements to surgical instrument steering inputs, addressing limitations of existing teleoperated robotic systems. The inventive concept integrates novel mechanisms for efficient sterilization, optimized performance, enhanced safety, and improved versatility.

Minimally invasive medical techniques have revolutionized diagnostic and surgical procedures, reducing patient recovery time and discomfort. However, existing teleoperated robotic systems face limitations in instrument downtime, performance, and safety. The original patent, 'Surgical instrument steering inputs,' introduced a steering input device incorporated in surgical instruments, but it lacked efficient sterilization, real-time performance optimization, and redundant safety features. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a quick-release mechanism, real-time torque sensing, redundant torque sensing, haptic feedback, and modular drive assembly.

The enhanced surgical instrument steering inputs comprise a drive assembly with a novel quick-release mechanism, enabling rapid detachment and reattachment of the instrument shaft from the input device. This facilitates efficient sterilization and reduces instrument downtime. Additionally, the input device incorporates a real-time torque sensor, dynamically adjusting drive cable pre-tensioning to prevent damage to the instrument. A redundant torque sensing mechanism provides an additional layer of safety and reliability during high-torque surgical procedures. The teleoperated robotic system features a novel haptic feedback mechanism integrated into the master input device, allowing surgeons to more intuitively sense and respond to instrument resistance and tissue interaction. Furthermore, the modular drive assembly comprises interchangeable components, enabling customization of the input device for specific surgical procedures and improving instrument versatility while reducing manufacturing costs.

The present inventive concept introduces a novel quick-release mechanism, real-time torque sensing, redundant torque sensing, haptic feedback, and modular drive assembly, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in efficiency, safety, and versatility, making the enhanced surgical instrument steering inputs a non-obvious advancement over the prior art.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the quick-release mechanism, such as magnetic or pneumatic coupling. The real-time torque sensing mechanism could be implemented using different sensor technologies, such as optical or capacitive sensors. The modular drive assembly could be designed with different component configurations, tailored to specific surgical procedures or instrument types.

The enhanced surgical instrument steering inputs have significant commercial potential in the minimally invasive surgery market, particularly in applications such as laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic-assisted surgery. The inventive concept's focus on efficiency, safety, and versatility aligns with the growing demand for advanced surgical instruments and teleoperated robotic systems. The target industries include medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and surgical centers.