Articulating Endoscopic Instrument with Segmented Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in providing precise control over surgical tools during transgastric and transluminal procedures due to limitations in flexibility and control mechanisms, leading to imprecision and increased recovery time and infection risk.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic surgical instrument featuring a handle portion, a flexible elongated middle portion with articulating link members, and a tool portion, where control wires and lever mechanisms allow for precise bending and rotation of the tool portion, enabling single-handed operation and easy sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscopic instrument uses a rigid structure for the middle portion, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility and ease of manipulation at the surgical site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The middle portion is divided into multiple rigid segments (first, second, third rigid portions) connected by articulating portions. This segmentation allows each segment to maintain structural stability while the articulating portions provide flexibility and adaptability for navigation through the gastrointestinal tract and positioning at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates articulating portions with link members that can dynamically change the angle between rigid segments. This dynamic capability allows the instrument to adapt its shape and orientation in response to surgical needs and anatomical constraints, improving ease of manipulation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the endoscopic instrument is designed with multiple articulating segments, then the ease of operation and precision control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating portion is segmented into multiple link members (first, second, third link members) connected by joint members. This segmentation enables independent control of each segment through control wires, allowing precise positioning of the tool portion while maintaining a manageable overall structure that can be actuated from the handle outside the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
Control wires serve as intermediaries to transmit forces from the handle to the articulating portions and tool portion. This intermediary mechanism allows the surgeon to precisely control the complex articulating segments from a single location (the handle), simplifying the user interface while enabling sophisticated distal end manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If the middle portion is made completely flexible, then the ease of insertion and navigation are improved, but the ability to exert precise force and maintain stable positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The middle portion is segmented into rigid sections (first, second, third rigid portions) rather than being completely flexible. This segmentation provides discrete points of structural support that enable the instrument to maintain its shape and exert precise forces at the surgical site, while still allowing navigation through the use of articulating portions between the rigid segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating portions use link members and joint members that provide controlled flexibility similar to flexible shells. These components allow the instrument to bend and navigate through curved anatomical paths while maintaining enough structural integrity to transmit forces precisely from the handle to the tool portion.
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 instrument provides precise control and versatility for various surgical techniques, reducing recovery time and infection risk by allowing precise manipulation of surgical tools with minimal trauma and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
Two control wires are each disposed in the elongated middle portion, and the two control wires are coupled to an articulation control member disposed on the handle portion and coupled to the distal end of the articulating portion
Implementation Method 2
The tool insert is coupled at its proximal end to a lever member disposed on the handle portion such that movement of the lever member exerts a force on the tool insert to actuate the tool portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided that includes a handle portion, an elongated middle portion, an articulating portion and a tool portion. The tool portion is steerable by control mechanisms disposed on the handle portion which are accessible to a single hand of a user of the endoscopic surgical instrument. The endoscopic surgical instrument is advantageously employed in a variety of endoscopic surgical techniques, including transgastric or transluminal surgery.