One-Handed Bone Reduction Clamp With Integrated Cerclage Cable Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone reduction clamps require two hands to operate and often necessitate additional instruments for cerclage cable passage, leading to increased muscle stripping and blood loss due to the need for additional exposure and tool maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A combined bone reduction clamp and cerclage cable passing tool design that allows one-handed operation, incorporating a cable pathway for cerclage cable guidance around the bone, reducing the need for separate tools and minimizing tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate cerclage cable passing tool is used in addition to the bone reduction clamp, then cerclage cable passage can be performed, but the number of instruments increases and muscle stripping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bone reduction clamp and cerclage cable passing tool into a single integrated instrument. The cable passing tool is merged with the clamp by providing a cable pathway through the clamp structure, allowing both functions to be performed with one instrument instead of two separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone reduction clamp is designed to perform multiple functions: it can reduce fractures, apply plates, and pass cerclage cables. The clamp structure includes integrated cable pathways that allow it to serve as both a reduction tool and a cable passing tool, eliminating the need for separate specialized instruments.
2Ease of operation
If additional exposure is performed to accommodate separate tools, then tool maneuvering is enabled, but muscle stripping and blood loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cable passing functionality into the clamp structure itself, the instrument requires less additional exposure for maneuvering. The integrated cable pathway allows the cable to be passed through the clamp structure without requiring separate access points or additional surgical exposure, thereby reducing muscle stripping and blood loss.
3Reliability
If two hands are required to operate the bone reduction clamp, then control is improved, but surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a trigger mechanism that segments the operation into distinct functional phases: the trigger activates the clamp arm to apply force, while the ratchet mechanism provides incremental positioning. This segmentation allows for precise control with single-handed operation, as each phase can be independently managed through the trigger and ratchet interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking functionality that maintains the clamp position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The trigger mechanism automatically engages the ratchet at incremental positions, allowing the surgeon to maintain control with one hand while the mechanism itself provides the locking and positioning functions that would traditionally require two hands.
4Productivity
If the clamp arm moves continuously toward the hook, then fracture reduction is efficient, but precise positioning at incremental positions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism introduces periodic action to the continuous movement of the clamp arm. As the trigger moves the clamp arm continuously toward the hook, the ratchet engages at regular incremental intervals to provide precise positioning stops. This periodic engagement allows the clamp to move efficiently while stopping at predetermined precise positions for plate application or cable passage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical instrument that comprises a handle, a trigger pivotably coupled to the handle, wherein the trigger is movable between a first position and a second position. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft comprises a distal end forming a hook. The surgical instrument further comprises a clamp arm extending from the handle and mechanically coupled to the trigger, wherein movement of the trigger from the first position toward the second position moves the clamp arm toward the hook. The surgical instrument further comprises a ratchet mechanism mechanically coupled to the clamp arm, wherein the ratchet mechanism is configured to prevent movement of the trigger toward the first position at incremental positions between the first position and the second position.