Articulating Laparoscopic Anastomosis for Small Vessels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anastomotic couplers are not designed for minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy or microsurgery due to poor visibility and tight operating spaces, necessitating manual suturing, which is challenging and time-consuming, especially for small vessels.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic anastomosis apparatus with an end effector that includes articulating members to facilitate the application of anastomotic couplers, allowing for quick and efficient coupling of vessels through a small incision, reducing the need for manual handling and surgical skill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual suturing is used for anastomosis, then the procedure can be performed on small vessels, but the surgical time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anastomotic coupler as an intermediary device that facilitates vessel connection. The coupler includes a body with a lumen and features that engage with the vessel ends, serving as a mediator between the two vessel ends to be anastomosed. This intermediary device enables rapid connection without manual suturing while maintaining adaptability to small vessels through its scalable design and various engagement features.
2Device complexity
If conventional anastomotic couplers are used, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but they are not designed for minimally invasive procedures due to poor visibility and tight operating spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates articulating members that allow the end effector to dynamically change its configuration and orientation. The articulating members enable the end effector to articulate relative to the elongate body, providing adaptability for minimally invasive procedures while maintaining a simple coupling mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the device to navigate tight operating spaces and accommodate poor visibility conditions through flexible positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of articulation to the coupling mechanism. The end effector can articulate at multiple joints, transforming from a simple linear structure to a multi-dimensional tool that can reach and manipulate vessels from various angles. This dimensional enhancement enables the simple coupling mechanism to be effectively used in minimally invasive procedures where access is constrained.
3Ease of operation
If articulating members are added to the end effector, then the device can perform minimally invasive procedures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the end effector into multiple segmented components including first and second end effector elements, each with their own articulating members. This segmentation allows each component to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling complex minimally invasive maneuvers while keeping individual component complexity manageable. The segmented structure facilitates modular assembly and simplifies the control of each articulation point.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an elongate body and an end effector coupled to a distal end the elongate body. The end effector includes a first end effector element configured to hold a first coupler element, a second end effector element configured to hold a second coupler element of the, and first and second end effector elements coupling first and second end effector elements to the elongate body. The end effector is configured to move between a first configuration in which the first and second end effector elements are located in a first position in which axial end of first vessel is coupled to first coupler element, a second position in which axial end of second vessel is coupled to second coupler element, and a third configuration in which first and second end effectors close to coupler the coupler elements and anastomose the first and second vessel.