Configurable Guide Insert for Independent Camera and Blade Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems for soft tissue release lack independent movement of the blade and camera, leading to compromised control and visualization, increased risk of cutting adjacent tissues, and inefficiencies in incision placement and visibility, especially at narrow incision points.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device featuring a cannula with a configurable guide insert that allows for 180-degree rotation and positioning of surgical implements, enabling independent movement of the camera and blade, and improved ergonomic placement relative to the incision site, with markings for left or right orientation to avoid adjacent soft tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the camera and blade are mounted together on the same guide as one static unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the surgeon loses independent control of camera and blade movement
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is divided into a stationary guide portion and a movable guide portion that can slide independently along the cannula. The blade is attached to the movable guide portion while the camera remains on the stationary portion, enabling independent movement of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide transitions from a static unified structure to a dynamic system where the movable guide portion can slide along the cannula axis. This dynamic configuration allows the blade to move independently from the camera while maintaining structural organization.
2Device complexity
If the camera is positioned below the blade in a top-to-bottom configuration, then the device assembly is simplified, but insertion at narrow incision points becomes difficult and visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a vertical top-to-bottom arrangement to a horizontal side-by-side arrangement where the camera and blade are positioned laterally adjacent to each other. This dimensional change allows the devices to be inserted through narrow incision points while maintaining visibility of the blade's position.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single guide structure is used for both camera and blade, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different surgical orientations (left or right side) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable guide portion incorporates asymmetric features including a protrusion on one end and a corresponding recess on the other end. This asymmetric design allows the guide to be inserted in only one orientation, automatically configuring the blade and camera for the correct surgical side (left or right) without requiring different guides.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device including a cannula having a base member at a proximal end, a sidewall connected to the base member, and a bore defined by the base member and sidewall. The sidewall further has an opening into the bore between axially-extending edges of the sidewall. A configurable guide insert includes a combination track having a circular opening for insertion of a camera device and a slot opening for insertion of a cutting instrument. The configurable guide insert may be permanently or detachably coupled to the base member and is positionable in a right orientation for a procedure in a patient's right side or in a left orientation for a procedure in a patient's left side. The combination track slidably receives a camera device through the circular opening into the bore and slidably receives a surgical implement through the slot opening and into an action area outside the bore.