Arthroscopic Shaver with Segmented Cutting and Suction Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic shavers face limitations in reducing size due to their cannulated design, leading to reduced stiffness and effective cutting, as smaller diameters cause tissue to become trapped and cutting surfaces to wear prematurely, restricting the ability to minimize size while maintaining effective tissue removal and suction.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with separate cutting and suction assemblies, where the cutting assembly has a reduced diameter and the suction assembly is designed to remove cut tissue, allowing for smaller diameters without compromising cutting and suctioning efficiency, enabling the device to be inserted through smaller access portals and facilitating cleaning and reuse of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the cutting element and elongate shaft are reduced to allow insertion through smaller access portals, then the size profile is improved, but the components become less stiff and cut tissue can become trapped in the cutting assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate cutting assembly and suction assembly components. The cutting assembly includes a cutting element while the suction assembly has a suction channel, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function without compromising overall performance
2Volume of moving object
If the diameter of the cutting element and elongate shaft are reduced, then the size profile is improved, but tissue can become trapped and cutting surfaces can wear prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
A suction channel acts as an intermediary pathway between the cutting element and the external environment. This channel actively removes cut tissue and fluids from the cutting area, preventing tissue from becoming trapped and allowing the cutting element to maintain its cutting effectiveness without premature wear
3Productivity
If the cutting assembly extends proximally through the device, then tissue and fluid can flow through the cutting assembly, but the space for tissue/fluid to be suctioned out is limited by the diameter of the outer shaft and cutting assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the cutting function and suction function into distinct assemblies. The suction assembly includes a dedicated suction channel that is separate from the cutting assembly, providing adequate space for efficient tissue and fluid removal without being constrained by the diameter of the cutting assembly
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables effective cutting and suctioning of tissue with reduced diameter components, improving the device's ability to be used in minimally invasive procedures by preventing tissue trapping and wear, while allowing for separate introduction of components through different portals for optimal surgical site access.
Implementation Method 1
Suction is applied to the shaver to cause bodily tissue and associated fluids to flow through the cutting assembly and out through a proximal end of the hand piece
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for cutting and removing tissue from a body. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a suction shaft and a cutting assembly. The suction shaft can have an inner passageway configured to receive tissue. The cutting assembly can include an outer shaft having at least one opening formed in a sidewall thereof configured to receive tissue. The cutting assembly can be configured to mate with the suction shaft, and it can include a cutting element configured to move relative to the opening to cut tissue disposed through the opening. Suction can be applied to cause the cut tissue to flow proximally through the suction shaft and away from the cutting assembly.