Elastic Connector for Expandable Surgical Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic surgical instruments face limitations due to their need to pass through small trocars, restricting their width and functionality within the body cavity, which hinders their ability to perform tasks effectively.

Innovation Solution

An elastic connector with reversible attachment means, capable of transforming between a queue-like configuration for insertion/extraction through small trocars and a parallel configuration for expanded use within the body cavity, providing four degrees of freedom and featuring movable jaws for tissue retraction, made from materials like superelastic materials or metals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If surgical instruments are designed to pass through small trocars, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but the working width and functionality of the instruments are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument widthVSAvoidlimited functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument shaft is designed with dynamic expandability, allowing it to transition from a compressed state for insertion through small trocars to an expanded state for working within the body cavity. This dynamic transformation enables the instrument to overcome the size limitation of the trocar while providing sufficient working width inside the body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument components are arranged in a nested configuration where the shaft, jaws, and other working elements are compacted into a small profile for insertion through the trocar. Once inside the body cavity, the instrument expands to its full working size, effectively nesting the compact insertion form within the expanded working form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If instruments are made wider for better working capability, then functionality improves, but the ability to pass through small trocars is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking capabilityVSAvoidinsertion through trocar

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument incorporates a dynamic structure that allows it to change its cross-sectional dimensions. The shaft can be compressed to pass through the trocar and then expanded to provide adequate working width inside the body cavity, thus adapting to both the small insertion opening and the larger working space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument utilizes material properties and structural design that allow changes in physical parameters such as diameter and rigidity. The shaft can transition from a flexible, compressed state during insertion to a rigid, expanded state during operation, enabling the instrument to satisfy both insertion and working requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single trocar is used for instrument introduction, then minimal incisions are achieved, but the complexity of managing multiple instruments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of instrumentsVSAvoidinstrument management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple instrument functions are merged into a single multi-component device that can be introduced through one trocar. The device includes a shaft with multiple jaws or working elements that can perform different surgical functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing the complexity of managing them through separate incisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed with multi-functionality, where the same device can perform various surgical tasks through its adjustable jaws and shaft configurations. This universal design allows a single instrument to replace multiple specialized tools, simplifying the surgical setup while maintaining ease of operation through a single trocar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the use of surgical instruments that can be introduced through small trocars but expand within the body cavity for wider operations, facilitating tissue retraction and manipulation with increased mobility and functionality without the need for additional incisions.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

made from materials like superelastic materials or metals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudoelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9463003B2Multi-components device, system and method for assisting minimally invasive procedures

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 VIRTUAL PORTS

AI summary

An elastic connector (ES) having at least two ends, each of which includes attachment means for reversibly attaching said ES to at least two components; wherein said ES is characterized by a predetermined default configuration: and, a queue-like configuration in which said ES is adapted to provide simultaneous queue-like insertion or extraction of said at least two components through a tube or endoscope's working channel or a trocar into or from a body cavity; said ES is adapted to be reversibly transformed from said predetermined default configuration to said queue-like configuration and from said queue-like configuration to said predetermined default configuration.