Articulating Working Channel for Off-Axis Arthroscopic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed articulating tool tips have a limited range due to the small diameter of insertion cannulas, making it difficult to treat off-axis surgical sites in minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures while maintaining the required stiffness for maneuvering between bones.
Innovation Solution
An articulating working channel system with a hollow flexible shaft that can be articulated, allowing flexible tools to be interleaved in a single surgical procedure. The system includes a reusable spine attached to the flexible shaft, enabling passive articulation of the tools and allowing for various degrees of freedom such as axial movement and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed articulating tool tip is used through a small diameter cannula, then the incision size is minimized, but the range of motion and ability to treat off-axis surgical sites is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly incorporates an articulating mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom that allows dynamic adjustment of the tool tip orientation. The first articulation mechanism enables bending in a first plane, while the second articulation mechanism enables bending in a second plane perpendicular to the first, allowing the tool to reach off-axis surgical sites through small cannulas
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating tool assembly is nested within the cannula, with the flexible shaft and articulation mechanisms contained within the cannula structure. This nested configuration allows the complex articulating mechanism to be delivered through a small diameter cannula while maintaining full articulation capability at the distal end
2Strength
If the tool is made rigid to maintain stiffness for maneuvering between bones, then reachability is improved, but the ability to handle soft tissues like ligaments is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly features different stiffness characteristics at different locations and in different directions. The proximal portion maintains high stiffness for stable manipulation and force transmission, while the distal articulating portion provides flexibility for navigating around bones and accessing soft tissues. The articulation mechanisms allow the tool to adapt its effective stiffness based on the surgical task
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are exchanged during a single procedure, then various surgical tasks can be performed, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating tool assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different surgical tools including cutters, graspers, and wire manipulators. The standardized articulation mechanisms and tool interfaces allow different tools to be used through the same cannula and control system, reducing the need for multiple cannulas and minimizing tool exchange time
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating working channel system for use with a plurality of flexible tools which are adapted to be interleaved in a single surgical procedure, comprising: a working channel subassembly including a hollow flexible shaft; and a surgical tool subassembly including the flexible tool, wherein the flexible tool includes a flexible tube which is adapted to be inserted into the flexible shaft and wherein the flexible shaft is adapted to be articulated and the flexible tube is adapted to be passively articulated therewith.