Dual Reciprocating Looped Blades for Laparoscopic Morcellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic morcellators face challenges in safely and efficiently cutting tissue without causing trauma to nearby organs, as they often require two-handed operation, can lead to tissue splintering, and are limited by the short cutting distance of single looped blades, which complicates the procedure and increases the risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A tissue cutting device with dual reciprocating looped blades driven by an electric motor, where the outer and inner blades oscillate in alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, allowing for efficient cutting while minimizing the risk of splintering and enabling one-handed operation, thus reducing the risk of injury to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single looped blade is used for tissue cutting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is markedly diminished by the short distance the blade travels back and forth
Solution Approach 1:
The single looped blade is segmented into two separate looped blades (first and second looped blades) that can reciprocate independently. This segmentation allows each blade to travel a longer distance during reciprocation, thereby increasing cutting efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane cutting motion to a multi-dimensional reciprocating motion where two blades move in different planes and directions. This dimensional change enables increased cutting stroke length and improved productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Speed
If a spinning blade is used for morcellation, then the cutting speed is increased, but the reliability is reduced due to the exposed sharp blade possibly injuring surrounding tissue and the difficulty of controlling the cutting direction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spinning blade that rotates in one direction, the invention employs reciprocating blades that move back and forth in controlled directions. This inverted approach maintains cutting speed while improving safety by allowing precise control over the cutting path and preventing the blade from pointing toward surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting system transitions from a static rotating blade to dynamic reciprocating blades that can change direction and position during operation. This dynamic control allows the blades to reciprocate in a manner that maintains high cutting speed while ensuring the cutting edges are directed away from surrounding tissues, thereby improving reliability and safety.
3Productivity
If downward traction is applied to pull tissue into the cutting blade, then the cutting action is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced and the risk of over-extension into tissue not to be injured increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling tissue downward into the blade, the invention inverts the approach by having the blade reciprocate upward and outward, cutting tissue as it moves away from the target area. This inversion eliminates the need for downward traction, simplifying the surgical procedure and reducing the risk of over-extension injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating looped blades act as intermediaries that facilitate tissue cutting without requiring direct downward traction. The blades move through the tissue in a controlled reciprocating motion, providing an intermediate cutting mechanism that improves ease of operation while maintaining effective cutting action.
4Manufacturing precision
If electrocautery or harmonic scalpel is used for amputation, then the cutting precision is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to lateral spread of heat or other energy causing burn to bowel or bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electrocautery and harmonic scalpel (which use thermal and acoustic energy) with a purely mechanical reciprocating blade system. This substitution eliminates the harmful lateral spread of heat and energy to surrounding organs while maintaining precise cutting capability through controlled mechanical reciprocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of thermal spread by eliminating thermal energy use entirely. By using mechanical reciprocating blades instead of electrocautery or harmonic scalpel, the harmful thermal effects are converted into a safe mechanical cutting process that provides precision without the risk of burning surrounding tissues.
5Measurement precision
If two-handed operation is required for morcellation, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced and the ability to use other instruments or hold the laparoscope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of tissue grasping and cutting into a single integrated device. The looped blades are positioned within the grasper housing, allowing one-handed operation where the same hand that holds the device also controls the cutting action. This merging maintains control precision while improving ease of operation and surgical workflow flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality, combining tissue grasping, cutting, and morcellation capabilities in a single instrument. This universality allows the device to perform multiple functions with one-handed operation, eliminating the need for separate instruments and improving surgical workflow flexibility while maintaining adequate control precision.
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 dual reciprocating blades provide a more efficient cutting action with increased travel distance, stabilize the cutting area, and prevent tissue splintering, enhancing safety and efficiency during laparoscopic procedures by allowing precise control and reducing the risk of injury to nearby organs.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to be turned on and off
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue severing devices having dual reciprocating looped blades are disclosed herein. The severing devices described herein can be used during laparoscopic surgery to cut tissue of a predetermined diameter using the two looped blades.