Small Diameter Arthroscopic Probe for Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic techniques for treating knee and hip joint injuries require joint distension and often result in prolonged recovery times and complications, as they necessitate the use of large instruments that cannot access narrow joint spaces without expanding the joint.
Innovation Solution
The development of small diameter imaging and surgical tools that can be inserted through narrow access spaces, allowing for minimally invasive procedures without joint distension, enabling visualization and treatment of damaged regions like the meniscus and labrum with a system comprising a small diameter imaging probe and arthroscopic tool, which can be used in conjunction with cannulas to facilitate precise alignment and delivery of therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large instruments are used for arthroscopic procedures, then surgical capability is improved, but joint distension is required which causes prolonged recovery and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into separate functional modules: a diagnostic endoscope and multiple surgical instruments, each inserted through separate small incisions. This segmentation allows each tool to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining minimal invasiveness, eliminating the need for joint distension to accommodate large instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large access point approach to multiple small access points distributed across different locations. By utilizing spatial distribution of access points and flexible instrument trajectories, the system achieves surgical capability without requiring joint distension, thereby reducing recovery time.
2Ease of operation
If large instruments are used for arthroscopic procedures, then surgical capability is improved, but joint distension is required which causes complications
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates diagnostic and surgical functions into distinct inserted tools, each through separate small incisions. This eliminates the need for joint distension that causes complications such as fluid leakage and tissue damage, while maintaining full surgical capability through specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible shafts and articulating mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the external surgical tools and the internal target areas. These intermediaries enable precise tool positioning and manipulation through narrow channels without requiring joint distension, thereby avoiding complications while maintaining surgical effectiveness.
3Loss of time
If small diameter tools are used for minimally invasive procedures, then recovery time is reduced, but access to narrow joint spaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instruments incorporate flexible shafts and articulating joints that allow dynamic positioning and orientation adjustment. This dynamic capability enables small-diameter tools to navigate narrow joint spaces and reach target regions that would otherwise be inaccessible, maintaining ease of operation while minimizing invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple small incisions distributed across different spatial locations to access the joint cavity, rather than relying on a single large access point. This spatial distribution approach, combined with flexible instrument trajectories, enables effective access to narrow joint spaces through minimal incisions, reducing recovery time without sacrificing operational ease.
4Ease of operation
If multiple small incisions are used for tool insertion, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surgical system into separate, specialized modules: diagnostic endoscopes, surgical instruments, and cannulas. Each module is designed for a specific function and can be independently selected and positioned. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by allowing modular assembly rather than requiring a single complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and devices for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of joint injuries. Small diameter endoscopic devices are used for visualization and second part is used to provide access for the insertion of small diameter surgical tools without the use of distending fluid. Preferred embodiments of the endoscopic devices can utilize wireless transmission to a handheld display device to visualize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with the invention.