Endoclamp balloon visualization and automatic placement system

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
• Medical Robotics
• Augmented Reality in Medicine

Background:

• Aortic occlusion is critical in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, with existing techniques having limitations.
• The Port Access technique utilizes an endoclamp balloon catheter for aortic occlusion.
• Improving the safety and efficacy of aortic occlusion methods is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the safety of internal aortic occlusion using the Port Access technique.
• To develop a combined augmented reality and robotics system for real-time balloon catheter visualization and control.
• To improve the precision and reliability of balloon placement during aortic occlusion procedures.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team designed a human-centered system integrating augmented reality and robotics.
• Real-time balloon catheter position was tracked using a magnetic system.
• The system superimposed the balloon's position onto a 3D patient thorax scan and controlled a robotic catheter inserter.
• Evaluated through two user studies comparing the system with existing visual aids.

Main Results:

• The system significantly improved placement accuracy for aortic occlusion.
• Procedure time was reduced compared to current visualization techniques.
• User feedback indicated strong support from the system during placement tasks.

Conclusions:

• The developed system demonstrated clinical feasibility for aortic occlusion.
• Enhanced visualization and robotic control improve procedural safety.
• This technology has the potential to increase the adoption of the Port Access technique.