Arthroscopic Sizing Template with Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic measuring devices are difficult to operate due to friction and require both hands, and they do not allow for repeatable measurements of tissue defects, making it challenging for surgeons to select the appropriate implant size for meniscal defects during arthroscopic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument set featuring hollow tubes with reciprocable sizing templates that change angular relationships between extended and retracted positions, allowing for accurate measurement of tissue defects using a single-handed gear mechanism, enabling precise selection of implants for meniscal repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wire-based measuring device with divergent tubes is used, then measurement capability is provided, but friction makes operation difficult and requires both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wire-based mechanical measuring system with an optical measurement system using an arthroscope, camera, and video display. This substitution eliminates the friction problems of wire manipulation while providing reliable, repeatable measurements through visual assessment of template positioning relative to the defect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the defect by using the arthroscope to capture and display an image of the defect on a video monitor. This allows the surgeon to measure and assess the defect dimensions indirectly through the visual image, avoiding direct manual measurement with friction-prone mechanical devices.
2Measurement precision
If a wire-based measuring device is used, then measurement capability is provided, but it does not allow for repeatable measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based measurement system with an optical system that provides repeatable measurements through consistent visual reference. The video display and camera system allows the same defect to be measured multiple times with identical precision, eliminating the variability inherent in manual wire manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual feedback through the video monitor that displays the defect and template positioning in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to verify measurements and make adjustments, ensuring repeatable and accurate results that can be consistently reproduced across multiple measurements.
3Measurement precision
If a retractable sizing template with resilient segments is used, then accurate measurement of tissue defects is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified template that creates a visual copy or shadow of the defect on the video display. Rather than complex resilient segments that change orientation, the template provides a stable geometric reference that can be visually compared to the defect dimensions through the arthroscope image, achieving measurement precision with simpler mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex resilient segment mechanism with an optical measurement approach. The template serves as a passive reference object whose relationship to the defect is assessed visually through the camera system, eliminating the need for complex mechanical orientation-changing components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical instruments for use in sizing tissue defects and selecting an appropriate implant for the defect include sizing templates. The sizing templates are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the implants. The sizing templates may be retractable into a tube for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractable sizing templates are resilient to allow them to be retracted into a small diameter tube, and to expand on release from the tube to the desired size and shape. The method of using the instrument set is also described.