A first signal processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit configured to at least execute a composition process of generating composed image information in which first image information or second image information and textual information are superimposed; and a control unit configured to control the process of the image processing unit in accordance with communication with a second signal processing apparatus. The control unit selects either one of the first image information and the second image information, and when the second image information is selected, the control unit outputs a first command for instructing the second signal processing apparatus not to superimpose the second image information and the textual information related to the second image information, and causes the image processing unit to generate composite image information in which the second image information and the textual information related to the second image information are superimposed.

A system for training surgical camera navigation skills is provided. A plurality of two-dimensional targets is printed on an upper surface of a flat sheet of material. The sheet is easily transportable and placed onto a base of a typical box trainer that defines a simulated abdominal cavity between the base and a top. A scope is inserted through a port in the top and the targets are viewed on a live video feed displayed to a trainee on a screen with the targets being otherwise obscured from view by the box trainer. The trainee can move the scope back and forth, roll and angulate the scope about the port in order to view the targets on the sheet at different angles and distances. The trainee is instructed to follow a sequence of targets marked on the sheet and manipulate the scope to align consecutively each target with the edges of the screen in the sequence provided.

An emitter assembly and waveform sensor assembly for visualizing a target is disclosed. The emitter assembly is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation and includes a first emitter configured to emit at least one of visible light, infrared radiation, or a combination thereof and a second emitter configured to emit structured electromagnetic radiation. The waveform sensor assembly is configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter assembly and obtain three-dimensional images corresponding to the detected electromagnetic radiation.

A surgical access assembly comprises a trocar and a surgical instrument. The trocar comprises a housing and an access tube extending distally from the housing. The housing comprises a hollow light emitter. The housing and the access tube define a lumen extending through the housing and the access tube. The hollow light emitter is configured to project light in the lumen. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector. The shaft comprises an optical receiver positioned within reach of the light from the hollow light emitter. The shaft further comprises a light guide extending from the optical receiver along at least a portion of the shaft toward the end effector.

A surgical visualization feedback system is disclosed. The surgical visualization feedback system comprises an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward an anatomical structure. The emitter assembly comprises a structured light emitter configured to emit a structured light pattern on a surface of the anatomical structure and a spectral light emitter configured to emit spectral light capable of penetrating the anatomical structure. The surgical visualization feedback system further comprises a waveform sensor assembly configured to detect reflected electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic radiation and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform sensor assembly. The control circuit is configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected surgical procedure, determine an identity of a targeted structure within the anatomical structure based on the selected surgical procedure and the reflected electromagnetic radiation, and confirm the determined identity of the targeted structure through a user input.

A surgical visualization system is disclosed. The surgical visualization system is configured to identify one or more structure(s) and/or determine one or more distances with respect to obscuring tissue and/or the identified structure(s). The surgical visualization system can facilitate avoidance of the identified structure(s) by a surgical device. The surgical visualization system can comprise a first emitter configured to emit a plurality of tissue-penetrating light waves and a second emitter configured to emit structured light onto the surface of tissue. The surgical visualization system can also include an image sensor configured to detect reflected visible light, tissue-penetrating light, and/or structured light. The surgical visualization system can convey information to one or more clinicians regarding the position of one or more hidden identified structures and/or provide one or more proximity indicators.

A system and method for controlling an emitter assembly for visualizing a surgical site is disclosed. The emitter assembly is configured to emit a pulse pattern of electromagnetic radiation at the surgical site. The electromagnetic radiation pattern can include infrared radiation, visible light, or combinations thereof in either structured or non-structured formats. Further, a receiver assembly is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation reflected from the surgical site. The control circuit can be configured to control the sequence or pattern in which the electromagnetic radiation is pulsed according to a preset sequence or according to feedback from the surgical site.

A surgical suturing tracking system is disclosed. The surgical suturing tracking system is configured to detect and guide a suturing needle during a surgical suturing procedure. The surgical suturing track system comprises a control circuit configured to predict a path of a needle suturing stroke after receiving an input from a clinician, detect an embedded tissue structure, and assess proximity of the predicted path and the detected embedded tissue structure.

A surgical visualization system is disclosed. The surgical visualization system includes a control circuit communicatively coupled to a straight line laser source, a structured light emitter, and an image sensor; and a memory communicatively coupled to the control circuit. The memory stores instructions which, when executed, cause the control circuit to control the straight line laser source to project a straight laser line reference; control the structured light source to emit a structured light pattern onto a surface of an element of a surgical device; control the image sensor to detect the projected straight laser line and structured light reflected from the surface of the element of the surgical device; and determine a position of the element of the surgical device relative to the projected straight laser line reference.

A surgical visualization system is disclosed. The surgical visualization system is configured to identify one or more structure(s) and/or determine one or more distances with respect to obscuring tissue and/or the identified structure(s). The surgical visualization system can facilitate avoidance of the identified structure(s) by a surgical device. The surgical visualization system can comprise a first emitter configured to emit a plurality of tissue-penetrating light waves and a second emitter configured to emit structured light onto the surface of tissue. The surgical visualization system can also include an image sensor configured to detect reflected visible light, tissue-penetrating light, and/or structured light. The surgical visualization system can convey information to one or more clinicians regarding the position of one or more hidden identified structures and/or provide one or more proximity indicators.