Surgical Clip Applier Bearing Rollers Reduce Actuation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical clip appliers face challenges in efficiently applying surgical clips to tissue due to limited precision and increased actuation force, which can lead to tissue damage and prolonged surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongated assembly with a bearing assembly that includes rotatably mounted bearing rollers on posts, sliding along the arms of the end effector assembly to move the jaws from a spaced-apart to an approximated position, facilitating the application of surgical clips with reduced friction and actuation force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical clip appliers are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the actuation force is increased leading to tissue damage and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing assembly with bearing rollers is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuating mechanism and the end effector assembly. The bearing rollers reduce friction during the actuation process, allowing for smoother movement and reduced actuation force while maintaining precise control over jaw closure and clip application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing bearing rollers that convert sliding friction to rolling friction. This parameter change enables the system to achieve the same mechanical work with significantly reduced actuation force, thereby improving precision without compromising the ability to apply clips effectively.
2Productivity
If traditional surgical clip appliers are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the procedural time is prolonged due to increased friction and actuation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly acts as a mediator that facilitates smoother and faster actuation of the end effector. By reducing friction between moving parts, the bearing rollers enable quicker jaw closure and clip application, thereby reducing the time required for each surgical step and improving overall procedural efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical clip appliers are used, then the basic function is achieved, but tissue damage occurs due to excessive actuation force
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the friction parameter through the introduction of bearing rollers, the system reduces the actuation force required to close the jaws and apply the clip. This parameter change ensures that the force applied to the tissue is controlled and within safe limits, preventing tissue damage while maintaining reliable clip application.
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
This solution enhances the precision and ease of applying surgical clips, reducing tissue damage and procedural time by minimizing the actuation force required and providing smoother operation of the surgical clip applier.
Implementation Method 1
Sliding of the bearing assembly from a proximal position to a distal position rolls the first and second bearing rollers along the first and second spaced-apart arms, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip applier and an elongated assembly thereof. The elongated assembly includes an outer shaft, an end effector assembly extending distally from the outer shaft and including first and second spaced-apart arms having first and second jaws disposed at respective free ends thereof, and an inner drive sleeve including a bearing assembly slidably disposed about the end effector assembly. The bearing assembly includes first and second bearing rollers positioned adjacent the first and second spaced-apart arms. Sliding of the bearing assembly from a proximal position to a distal position rolls the bearing rollers along the spaced-apart arms to urge the first and second spaced-apart arms towards one another, thereby moving the first and second jaws from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to apply a surgical clip about tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.