Electrode Connections for Rotary Surgical Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive robotic surgical systems are limited in generating the necessary forces for effective tissue cutting and fastening, and they often lack versatility in operating various types of surgical devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a robotic surgical system that includes a surgical tool with an electrosurgical end effector capable of generating high compressive forces using cam mechanisms and articulation joints, allowing for precise tissue cutting and welding, along with a modular design that supports multiple surgical tools through an adapter system for various surgical tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then the systems can perform minimally invasive surgery, but they cannot generate sufficient force for effective tissue cutting and fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, articulation joint, and end effector. The force generation mechanism is segmented into a cam mechanism within the articulation joint that converts rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling high force generation at the end effector while keeping each module manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint incorporates a cam mechanism that dynamically converts rotational input from a drive shaft into linear displacement of the end effector. This dynamic transformation allows the system to generate high compressive forces during tissue fastening while maintaining the flexibility and minimally invasive characteristics of the surgical tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing robotic surgical systems are used, then the systems can operate basic surgical devices, but they lack versatility for various types of surgical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with a universal adapter system that can accommodate multiple types of end effectors including electrosurgical end effectors, mechanical staplers, and other surgical instruments. The articulation joint and drive mechanism are configured to work with various end effector types, allowing a single handle assembly to perform multiple surgical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter mechanism serves as an intermediary between the handle assembly and various end effector types. This adapter includes a drive shaft coupling and articulation joint interface that translates rotational motion into linear motion for different end effector configurations, enabling versatile device compatibility without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.
3Manufacturing precision
If high compressive forces are generated using cam mechanisms, then tissue cutting and welding precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is integrated within the articulation joint, merging the force generation function with the articulation function. This consolidation allows the cam to convert rotational motion from the drive shaft into linear displacement of the end effector while maintaining a compact structure. The electrosurgical end effector is combined with mechanical fastening capabilities in a single integrated tool.
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 system enables robust tissue cutting and welding with high precision and versatility, allowing for a range of surgical procedures by providing sufficient force and adaptability to operate different surgical tools effectively.
Implementation Method 1
generating high compressive forces using cam mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
electrosurgical end effector capable of generating high compressive forces allowing for precise tissue cutting and welding
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical tool can comprise an end effector, a shaft assembly, a rotatable drive shaft, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The end effector comprises first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another from an open position to a closed position and an electrode positioned on the first jaw member. The shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector, is at least partially hollow, and defines an inner wall. The rotatable drive shaft extends proximally within the shaft assembly. The first electrical contact is coupled to the inner wall of the shaft assembly and positioned around at least a portion of the drive shaft. The second electrical contact is coupled to and rotatable with the drive shaft. The second electrical contact is positioned to be electrically connected to the first electrical contact as the drive shaft rotates.