Cannulated Powered Instrument for Distal Tip Irrigation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments lack efficient mechanisms for delivering fluid, such as irrigation or coolant, directly to the distal tip during procedures, leading to suboptimal cooling and visibility at the working area.
Innovation Solution
A powered medical instrument with a fluid passage that directs irrigation or coolant fluid through a cannula to the distal tool tip, using an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor to rotate the tool tip while delivering fluid precisely to the working area for efficient cooling and irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fluid is delivered through external pathways around the procedure area, then the instrument structure remains simple, but cooling and visibility at the tool tip are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested fluid passage structure where an inner cannulated shaft is positioned within an outer instrument body. The inner shaft contains a fluid passage that delivers fluid directly to the distal tip, while the outer body provides structural support and houses additional components. This nested arrangement enables direct fluid delivery to the tool tip without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external fluid delivery pathways to an internal dimension by routing the fluid passage through the cannulated shaft to the distal tip. This dimensional change allows fluid to be delivered precisely where needed (at the tool tip) rather than around the procedure area, improving cooling effectiveness while maintaining a compact structure.
2Illumination intensity
If fluid is delivered around the procedure area, then the fluid passage structure remains simple, but visibility at the working area is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The nested cannulated shaft within the outer instrument body allows fluid to be delivered directly to the distal tip where the working area is located. This precise delivery improves visibility by clearing debris and providing better access to the procedure site, while the nested structure avoids significant complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving fluid delivery from external pathways to an internal passage through the cannulated shaft, the system achieves precise targeting of the working area. This dimensional transition enables effective irrigation and visibility enhancement at the exact location where it is most needed.
3Productivity
If a cannulated shaft is implemented for direct fluid delivery, then cooling and visibility at the tool tip are enhanced, but the instrument structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the cannulated shaft is positioned within the outer instrument body. This configuration enables direct fluid delivery to enhance cooling and visibility, thereby improving procedural efficiency. The nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (structural support, fluid delivery, tool rotation) within a compact framework, minimizing the impact of increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannulated shaft serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tool, acts as a conduit for fluid delivery to the distal tip, and enables rotational motion transmission from the motor. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering significant improvements in procedural efficiency through a single integrated component.
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
The solution enables precise delivery of fluid to the working area, enhancing cooling and visibility at the tool tip, thereby improving procedural efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The motor may be an appropriate motor, such as an electric motor, hydraulic motor, or other appropriate motors to provide rotational force or torque to the instrument
Implementation Method 2
a fluid path that allows for a selected material to be delivered or passed near a tip of the tool
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
Disclosed is a system to power a tool. The tool may be powered in a selected manner that may have irrigation and/or coolant provided therewith. The irrigation and cooling fluid may be provided at substantially at a working end and/or distal end of the instrument assembly.