Balanced Ergonomic Surgical Handle for Laparoscopic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic suction/irrigator devices cause user fatigue due to unbalanced design, particularly from the upward pull of tubing, and require multiple handle versions to accommodate different grip styles, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies for hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A balanced, ergonomic handle with a flared resting area, recessed purlicue area, and adjustable ballast to centralize the weight of the tubing, allowing for comfortable grip in various styles like Pistol, Flute, Remote, Camera, and Pencil Grips, reducing fatigue and accommodating multiple grip positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid elongated shaft with tubing is used for suction/irrigation, then the device can perform its surgical function, but the tubing pulls the handle upward causing user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterweight mechanism by positioning the tubing connection point and handle design to create a downward force that balances the upward pull of the tubing. The handle is designed with a specific center of gravity and structural configuration that generates a counteracting downward force, eliminating the net upward pull that causes user fatigue during prolonged surgical procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handle versions are provided to accommodate different grip styles, then surgeon preference and comfort are improved, but hospital costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal handle with a contoured shape and strategically positioned control elements that can accommodate multiple grip styles (pistol grip, flute grip, remote grip, camera grip, and pencil grip) within a single device configuration. This multi-functional design allows one handle to serve all surgical preferences, eliminating the need for hospitals to stock and manage multiple handle versions while maintaining adaptability to different surgeon techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic medical device handle which allows for multiple type grip styles and reduces operator fatigue by balancing the weight of the device about a fulcrum point. More particularly a laparoscopic suction irrigation device having its tubing centrally located to allow the handle to rest comfortably and balanced on the hand in any of the commonly used grips. This dramatically reduces the fatigue associated with holding devices for long periods of time.