Curved Shaft Applicator with Integrated Imaging for Hernia Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for hernia repair lack accuracy and ease in dispensing surgical fasteners, particularly in small areas, and often rely on inadequate visibility during open procedures, leading to potential complications like bowel perforation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fire applicator instrument with a non-linear shaft and contoured tip, integrated with an imaging system, enables precise delivery of surgical fasteners using a spring mechanism and a firing system, improving visibility and accuracy through enhanced ergonomics and a built-in imaging device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a linear shaft is used in surgical instruments, then the structure is simple, but accuracy in dispensing fasteners in small areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the shaft by providing a non-linear, curved configuration instead of a straight linear shaft. This curved shaft design enables the instrument to navigate anatomical contours and achieve accurate fastener placement in small or difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining dispensing precision. The curvature allows the distal end to be positioned accurately without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical instruments are used without imaging systems, then the device complexity is low, but visibility during procedures is inadequate leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surgical applicator instrument with an imaging system into a single integrated device. The imaging device is coupled to the instrument housing or shaft, providing real-time visualization during fastener dispensing. This combination allows the surgeon to see anatomical structures and fastener placement in real-time, preventing complications like bowel perforation while keeping the overall system manageable through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the surgical field, providing enhanced visibility of anatomical structures and fastener placement. The imaging device captures visual information from the surgical site and transmits it to the surgeon, enabling informed decision-making and precise fastener deployment without direct visual contact with deep anatomical areas.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned at the bottom of the housing, then the device structure is simple, but ergonomics and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the handle from the bottom of the housing to the top, utilizing the vertical dimension more effectively. This top-positioned handle configuration allows the surgeon to operate the trigger with a more natural hand position and better leverage. The handle extends upward from the housing, creating an ergonomic angle that reduces wrist strain and improves control during fastener dispensing operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If a linear shaft is used, then the instrument can clear the patient's body, but accuracy in delivering fasteners to the defect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved shaft configuration that bends to follow anatomical pathways while maintaining sufficient length to clear the patient's body. The non-linear shaft provides the necessary reach to access deep or hard-to-reach defects while its curvature allows precise positioning at the distal end. This curved design enables accurate fastener delivery without requiring an excessively long straight shaft.
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 instrument allows for accurate and efficient dispensing of surgical fasteners, reducing complications and improving the visibility during hernia repair procedures by providing a precise and ergonomic solution for mesh fixation.
Implementation Method 1
A load spring may be used to bias or feed the plurality of helical fasteners distally within the shaft
Implementation Method 2
integrated with an imaging system, enables precise delivery of surgical fasteners using a spring mechanism and a firing system, improving visibility and accuracy through enhanced ergonomics and a built-in imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system moveable along a first axis, a handle extending upwardly from the housing along a second axis that defines an acute angle with the first axis, the handle having an upper free end that defines a top of the applicator instrument, a trigger coupled with the housing for activating the firing system, and an elongated shaft extending from the distal end of the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section extending along the first axis and a distal shaft section that is oriented at an angle relative to the proximal shaft section for extending upwardly toward the top of the applicator instrument. The trigger is squeezed for dispensing surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument has at least one visual indicator for indicating a proper orientation for the applicator instrument in which the upper free end of the handle is positioned above the housing.