Surgical devices and methods of use thereof for enhanced tactile perception
AssigneeThe Johns Hopkins University
InventorsEugene de Juan JR., Patrick S. Jensen
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Abstract
Featured are surgical devices that provide enhanced perceptual feedback to a medical practitioner in the form of e.g. tactile sensations or auditory feedback, and methods of use of the devices. The devices and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for microsurgery applications including ophthalmic or neurosurgical procedures. Use of the present devices and methods will enhance user feedback, allowing for improved perception, thereby increasing performance, speed, and accuracy of surgical procedures.
Claims60
A surgical device comprising:
- a sensor element capable of detecting interaction of the device with the environment, and wherein non-visual information relating to the device interaction can be communicated to a user of the device.
A surgical device comprising:
- a sensor element capable of detecting forces imparted on the device, and wherein information relating to the imparted forces can be communicated to a user of the device, the imparted forces may be static or dynamic.
A surgical device comprising:
- a sensor element capable of detecting interaction of the device with the environment, wherein information relating to the interaction can be amplified and transmitted to a user of the device.
A surgical device comprising:
- (a) a sensor element, wherein the sensor element can generate a electrical signal based on forces imparted on the device, which forces may be static or dynamic;
- (b) an electronic controller that can generate an output signal based on the proportional electrical signal;
- and
- (c) an output transducer that receives the output signal, thereby producing a proportional sensory signal.
An surgical device comprising:
- (a) a surgical instrument body;
- (b) a sensor element at a distal portion of the device, wherein the sensor element generates proportional electrical signals based on forces imparted on the device, which forces may be static or dynamic;
- (c) an electronic controller that generates an output signal based on the proportional electric signal and;
- (d) an output transducer that receives the output signal, thereby producing a proportional sensory signal;
- (e) energy transmission apparatus that can transmit the output signal from the electronic controller to output transducer;
- (f) a conductor for transmitting electric signals between the sensor element and the electronic controller;
- and
- (g) a power source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.