Articulating Surgical Instrument Cable Pivot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved articulating surgical instruments that can effectively move and position end effectors during minimally invasive surgical procedures through single incision access devices, as existing technologies are not sufficient for efficient manipulation within the constrained environment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument design featuring an elongated member assembly with a first and second portion, where the second portion is articulated relative to a longitudinal axis through a pivot pin and a cable system that allows for rotational movement, enabling the second portion to articulate about a pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, facilitating precise positioning of the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single incision access device is used, then patient trauma is reduced and recovery time is shortened, but the ability to manipulate and position surgical instruments effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates an articulating assembly with multiple portions that can dynamically change their relative positions. The second portion can articulate relative to the longitudinal axis, and the third portion can articulate relative to the second portion, allowing the end effector to reach and manipulate tissues at various angles through a single fixed incision site.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating assembly adds rotational degrees of freedom to the instrument. The second portion articulates about a first pivot axis, and the third portion articulates about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first, enabling the end effector to access three-dimensional surgical sites through a single linear incision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an articulating assembly with multiple portions is used, then the ability to access and manipulate surgical sites is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member is divided into multiple distinct portions: a first portion, a second portion that can articulate relative to the longitudinal axis, and a third portion that can articulate relative to the second portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently controlled and positioned, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating assembly features nested articulation where the third portion is positioned on the second portion, and both are contained within the overall instrument structure. The pivot axes are offset and nested within the elongated member, allowing multiple degrees of freedom without proportionally increasing external complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated member assembly extending from the housing. The elongated member has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion by a cable that facilitates the relative movement of the first portion and the second portion.