Backup Latch Release Channel for Sterile Surgical Instrument Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgical procedures, maintaining a sterile environment is challenging due to the need to sterilize motors, sensors, and electrical connections used in teleoperated surgical instruments, which are often damaged by conventional sterilization methods, and there is a limitation in the number of instrument holders available, requiring frequent attachment and detachment of instruments.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape system with an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) that includes a latch plate mechanism to securely attach and detach surgical instruments from teleoperated actuators, ensuring a sterile coupling point and allowing quick exchange of instruments while maintaining a sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterilization methods (steam, heat, pressure, chemicals) are used on teleoperated actuators, then complete sterilization is achieved, but the motors, sensors, encoders and electrical connections are damaged or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate segments: a sterile surgical instrument that can be sterilized and a non-sterile teleoperated actuator that remains protected. The sterile barrier physically separates these segments, allowing the instrument to undergo complete sterilization while the actuator with sensitive electronics remains unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier (sterile drape) acts as an intermediary between the sterile surgical instrument and the non-sterile teleoperated actuator. This barrier allows mechanical force transmission while preventing contamination and protecting the actuator from sterilization processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical instruments are frequently attached and detached from the same instrument holder, then instrument versatility is improved, but the risk of contamination to the teleoperated actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile barrier serves as a mediator that allows multiple instruments to be exchanged at the instrument holder while preventing any contamination from reaching the teleoperated actuator. The barrier remains in place throughout instrument exchanges, maintaining the sterile boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sterile drape (thin film) is used to create a sterile barrier that can accommodate the mechanical movements and instrument exchanges while maintaining its integrity and sterile properties throughout the surgical procedure.
3Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is used to firmly attach the surgical instrument to the teleoperated actuator, then connection reliability is improved, but the ease of detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state during surgery that provides secure attachment, and an unlocked state that enables easy detachment. The latch can be actuated to switch between these states, providing both security and convenience as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-latching, automatically securing the instrument to the actuator when attached. For detachment, a simple actuation (such as pressing a button or rotating a knob) releases the latch, allowing the instrument to be removed without complex manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a proximal control mechanism. The proximal control mechanism has an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a locking surface of a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism. The resilient latch arm is contained entirely within the proximal control mechanism when engaged. A release channel extends from an outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism to the resilient latch arm entrance opening. The release channel provides a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and provides a fulcrum for the release tool where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism. The surgical instrument can be released by prying the resilient latch arm away from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure with the release tool used as a lever on the fulcrum.