Articulating Endoscopic Handle for Ergonomic Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments lack the ability to articulate the handle relative to the shaft, limiting ergonomic comfort and flexibility during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an articulation joint between the proximal and distal closure tube segments, allowing the handle to pivot relative to the shaft, enabling more ergonomic positioning and improved access within the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is fixed rigidly to the shaft, then the instrument structure is simple and robust, but the surgeon cannot achieve ergonomic positioning or flexible access during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument shaft is divided into proximal and distal segments that can articulate relative to each other. The handle is coupled to the proximal segment while the end effector is coupled to the distal segment, creating a segmented structure that enables flexible positioning while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint between the proximal and distal shaft segments provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the handle to pivot relative to the end effector. This dynamic joint enables the instrument to adapt to different surgical angles and positions while maintaining structural connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the handle can articulate with the shaft, then surgical precision and comfort are improved, but the instrument structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is implemented through segmented shaft portions (proximal and distal segments) connected by a joint. This segmentation allows independent movement of each segment while maintaining precise control over the end effector's position and orientation during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint acts as an intermediary element between the handle and end effector. This intermediate joint enables precise angular adjustment and positioning while isolating the complexity of the articulation mechanism from both the handle controls and the end effector actuation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is made as a single rigid piece, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but flexibility and access capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is manufactured as separate proximal and distal segments that are subsequently assembled through the articulation joint. This segmentation approach reduces manufacturing complexity for each individual segment while enabling flexible assembly configurations to achieve diverse access capabilities during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure composed of movable segments. This dynamic configuration allows the shaft to adapt its shape and angle during procedures, providing enhanced access to difficult-to-reach surgical sites while maintaining structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent to the effector for insertion into the trocar. The elongated shaft assembly further has a proximal portion that is remote from the distal portion such that the proximal portion protrudes from the trocar when the end effector and distal portion are inserted therethrough. The control handle is articulatably coupled to the proximal portion of said elongated shaft assembly to enable the surgeon to move the handle portion to a more ergonomically comfortable position while carrying out the endoscopic procedure. Various articulation joint embodiments and locking arrangements are disclosed.