Electromagnetic Manipulator with UV Tacking for Surgical Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articulating surgical instruments have limited functionality due to mechanical design limitations, making it difficult to achieve a wider range of functions during endoscopic surgical procedures, especially when accessing and manipulating tissue through small incisions.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument equipped with an electromagnetic manipulator and a UV light source, which works in conjunction with a ferromagnetic mesh implant to enable precise tacking and repositioning of the mesh at a surgical site, utilizing electromagnetism and UV light for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical articulation mechanisms are used, then the surgical instrument can access surgical sites through small incisions, but the functionality and range of motion at the articulation tip are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical articulation mechanisms with an electromagnetic manipulator that uses electromagnetic fields to control the articulation tip. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while providing enhanced functionality and range of motion through electromagnetic actuation of the end effector assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic manipulator integrates multiple functions including articulation control, UV light emission for tissue treatment, and electromagnetic manipulation capabilities into a single end effector assembly. This multi-functional approach increases versatility without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small cannulae are used to minimize incisions, then patient trauma and scarring are reduced, but the tolerances between the surgical instrument and cannula inner diameter become very small
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical articulation mechanisms with an electromagnetic manipulator, the patent reduces the mechanical components that would require precise tolerances within the cannula. The electromagnetic field can penetrate through the cannula wall to actuate the end effector, allowing for more relaxed tolerances while maintaining small incision benefits
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional articulating tool tips are used, then basic manipulation functions are available, but the range of functions for the articulation tip remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the articulation mechanism, UV light source, and electromagnetic manipulation capabilities into a single integrated end effector assembly. This consolidation provides multiple functions (articulation, UV treatment, electromagnetic manipulation) without requiring separate complex mechanical systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic manipulator replaces complex mechanical articulation mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based control system, enabling enhanced articulation范围和功能 while reducing mechanical complexity
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 combination of electromagnetic manipulation and UV light tacking allows for enhanced functionality and secure attachment of the mesh to the surgical site, improving the range of articulation and reducing scarring and trauma to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic manipulator in cooperation with an ultraviolet (UV) light source for performing tacking of an implant
Implementation Method 2
the implant is a mesh and the mesh includes material with ferromagnetic properties
Implementation Method 3
when the mesh is positioned in proximity to the electromagnetic manipulator to be placed at a surgical site, the mesh is exposed to the UV light emitted from the UV light source such that the tacking of the mesh to the surgical site is performed
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is provided including a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion, the end effector assembly including an electromagnetic manipulator in cooperation with an ultraviolet (UV) light source for performing tacking of an implant. In an alternative embodiment, the end effector assembly includes an electromagnetic manipulator in cooperation with at least one tack for performing tacking of an implant. The implant may be a mesh having a ferromagnetic coating activated by the electromagnetic manipulator. The tissue may have a UV coating activated by UV light applied by the UV light source.