Auto-Loading Surgical Clip Forceps for Sequential Vessel Ligation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microsurgery clip application devices require manual loading of individual clips, leading to handling accidents, inefficiencies, and the need for multiple forceps, which complicates surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip application device with automatic clip loading, allowing multiple clips to be applied sequentially, featuring a clip loader assembly, drive mechanism, and transparent window for clip count visibility, along with multiple touch points and gripping surfaces for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of individual clips is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and handling accidents increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple surgical clips are pre-loaded into the device reservoir before the surgical procedure begins. The clips are arranged in a stacked configuration within the reservoir, ready for sequential dispensing without requiring manual intervention during the surgery. This preliminary loading action eliminates the need for repeated manual clip loading during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an automatic clip dispensing mechanism that self-regulates the delivery of clips during the surgical procedure. When the operator activates the dispensing mechanism, the system automatically selects, positions, and delivers the next clip from the reservoir without requiring manual handling or reloading by the surgical professional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple forceps are used for clip application, then clip application capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single instrument: it serves as both the forceps for applying clips and the reservoir for storing multiple clips. The unified design combines the clip application mechanism with an integrated reservoir that holds multiple clips in a stacked arrangement, eliminating the need for separate forceps and clip storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clip storage reservoir and the clip application forceps into a single integrated device. The reservoir is positioned within the handle structure, and the dispensing mechanism combines the functions of clip selection, positioning, and delivery in one unified system, reducing the number of separate instruments required.
3Loss of time
If manual clip reloading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to repeated reloading actions
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous clip application without interruption for reloading. Multiple clips are stored in the reservoir in a ready-to-dispens e configuration, allowing the surgeon to continuously apply clips to different vessels without stopping the surgical flow to reload individual forceps. The automatic dispensing mechanism maintains continuous operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clips are pre-loaded into the reservoir before the surgical procedure begins, with each clip positioned and ready for sequential dispensing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual reloading actions during the procedure, as clips are automatically delivered from the pre-configured reservoir.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency by reducing handling errors, streamlining clip application, and providing a clear count of remaining clips, thus improving procedural convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded clip pusher assembly that advances a surgical clip along the main rail to the jaw heads
Implementation Method 2
a drive mechanism with a plurality of levers that translates squeezing of the pair of handles to linear motion of the jaw closer and the clip loader assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip application device for applying and crimping surgical clips to ligate a vessel.