End Effector Control Mechanism for Tortuous Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices face challenges in accessing target sites via tortuous paths and small cross-sectional diameters, leading to improper tissue stapling and cutting, increased therapy time, and patient trauma.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a shaft and end effector that can pivot between orientations, allowing it to navigate tortuous pathways and access target sites efficiently, featuring a control mechanism for end effectors like tissue fastening devices that include a U-shaped body portion and pivot points for improved tissue grasping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid straight shaft is used to access target sites, then structural stability is maintained, but access to tortuous paths and small cross-sectional diameters is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the shaft to bend and navigate tortuous paths while maintaining structural integrity through controlled segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can adapt its configuration to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining stability through controlled movement of articulation points
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is fixed in a single orientation, then structural simplicity is maintained, but access to target sites at various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with pivotal movement capability, transitioning from a fixed static structure to a dynamic structure that can rotate and articulate to achieve multiple orientations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector gains rotational freedom in an additional dimension, allowing it to pivot between parallel and angled orientations relative to the shaft, thereby expanding its operational capability without significantly increasing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard rigid surgical devices are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but access to difficult-to-reach target sites is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates articulated segments and pivotal joints that can be manufactured using standard modular components, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling access to tortuous paths and difficult-to-reach target sites
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates dynamic articulation mechanisms that can be manufactured using conventional engineering methods, allowing the device to adapt to complex anatomical pathways without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a shaft including a longitudinal axis, an end effector connected to a distal end of the shaft to move from a first orientation, where a longitudinal axis of the end effector is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to a second orientation, where an angle is formed between the longitudinal axis of the end effector and the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an elongated member attached to a proximal end of the end effector, wherein manipulation of the elongated member moves the end effector between the first orientation and the second orientation.