Dual-Latch Sterile Adapter for Contamination-Safe Instrument Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In teleoperated surgical systems, maintaining a sterile environment is challenging due to the need to frequently attach and detach surgical instruments, which can contaminate the actuators, and the limitations of sterilizing motors, sensors, and electrical connections using conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape with an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) and latch mechanism is introduced, allowing for quick and reliable attachment and detachment of surgical instruments while maintaining sterility, using a latch plate with flexible latch arms and connecting members to secure the adapter to the instrument carriage and surgical instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments are frequently attached and detached from teleoperated actuators, then instrument versatility is improved, but sterility is compromised due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct segments: a sterile adapter that interfaces with surgical instruments and can be sterilized, and a non-sterile actuator containing sensitive electronics. This segmentation allows the sterile portion to be frequently exchanged while the actuator remains protected and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile adapter serves as an intermediary component between the surgical instrument and the actuator. This mediator allows instrument attachment/detachment while preventing direct contact between potentially contaminated instruments and the non-sterilizable actuator, thus maintaining sterility boundaries.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sterilization methods are used on actuators, then sterility is improved, but the motors and sensors are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates sterilizable components (adapter, drape) from non-sterilizable components (actuator with electronics). This allows selective sterilization of only those parts that require it, preserving the integrity of sensitive electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile adapter is designed as a disposable component that can withstand sterilization processes. After use, it is discarded rather than re-sterilized, while the expensive actuator with sensitive electronics is preserved and reused without exposure to harsh sterilization conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instrument holders are provided, then instrument availability is improved, but space constraints and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile adapter provides a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different surgical instruments through a single attachment point. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized holders, reducing system complexity while maintaining instrument availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for attaching a surgical instrument to an instrument carriage includes engaging an instrument sterile adapter with an instrument carriage using a first latch mechanism of the instrument sterile adapter; and engaging a surgical instrument with the instrument sterile adapter using a second latch mechanism of the instrument sterile adapter. In an engaged state of the second latch mechanism with surgical instrument the first latch mechanism is not disengageable from the instrument carriage. The first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism are coupled to a frame portion of the instrument sterile adapter via a connecting member.