Cardioscopic Tool-delivery Instrument for Beating-heart Surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Engineering
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Beating-heart intracardiac surgery faces challenges in visualizing tool-tissue interaction and controlling surgical tool depth during the cardiac cycle.
• Accurate visualization and precise depth control are critical for effective tissue removal and minimizing collateral damage in cardiac procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative instrument designed to address key challenges in beating-heart intracardiac surgery.
• To provide high-fidelity imaging of tool-tissue contact and enable controlled tool penetration.
• To demonstrate the instrument's utility in tissue removal procedures requiring precise visualization and cutting depth control.

Main Methods:

• The instrument incorporates a cardioscopic imaging system with a camera and illumination within an optical window.
• The optical window, when pressed against tissue, displaces blood for clear visualization.
• Precise control of cutting depth is achieved through a specialized port for tool extension.

Main Results:

• The instrument enables high-fidelity imaging of tool-tissue contact, crucial for procedures like tissue removal.
• It allows for accurate control of cutting depth during the cardiac cycle.
• Successful application of the tool was demonstrated in both ex vivo and in vivo experimental settings.

Conclusions:

• The developed instrument offers effective solutions for critical challenges in beating-heart intracardiac surgery.
• It enhances visualization and precision in tool-tissue interaction and depth control.
• The findings support the instrument's potential to improve outcomes in cardiac surgical procedures.