Endoscopic Surgical Instrument Manipulation Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic surgical instruments require an assistant to manipulate the surgical instrument due to the instrument manipulation portion being distant from the forceps port, increasing surgical time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The endoscopic surgical instrument features an instrument manipulation portion that can be moved forward and backward, rotated, and fixed close to the forceps port, allowing the operator to control the insertion portion and treatment portion independently, with a flexible manipulation tube and line member, and a mounting mechanism for easy attachment and detachment, enabling solo operation without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgical instrument is inserted in the channel through the forceps port, then the treatment portion can reach the target, but the instrument manipulation portion is left in a distant position requiring an assistant
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into three main segments: the insertion portion (with flexible manipulation tube) that enters the channel, the treatment portion at the distal end, and the instrument manipulation portion at the proximal end. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the insertion portion can be long to reach targets while the manipulation portion remains accessible to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible manipulation tube acts as an intermediary element connecting the proximal manipulation portion to the distal treatment portion. This flexible tube transmits mechanical movements from the operator's hand near the forceps port to the treatment portion deep in the channel, resolving the contradiction between manipulation accessibility and treatment reach.
2Productivity
If an assistant manipulates the surgical instrument, then the operator can focus on endoscope manipulation, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument manipulation portion is designed with universal controls that can operate both the insertion portion positioning and the treatment portion functions. This multi-functionality allows a single operator to perform all manipulations without requiring an assistant, thereby improving productivity while reducing surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of inserting the instrument, positioning it, and operating the treatment portion are merged into a single integrated system controlled by one operator. The manipulation portion combines multiple control mechanisms that work together, allowing the operator to seamlessly transition between different tasks without coordination delays with an assistant.
3Ease of operation
If the instrument manipulation portion is fixed close to the forceps port, then the operator can manipulate it easily, but the insertion portion length is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation tube is constructed as a flexible shell that can bend and extend. This flexibility allows the tube to achieve significant length while maintaining controllability from the proximal end. The flexible structure enables the insertion portion to extend deep into the channel while the manipulation portion remains accessible near the forceps port.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation tube incorporates dynamic segments that can change their configuration during insertion and manipulation. These dynamic sections allow the tube to extend further when needed while maintaining a compact, controllable form near the manipulation portion, effectively resolving the length-accessibility contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical instrument has an insertion portion to be inserted in a channel of an endoscope, a treatment portion provided at a tip of the insertion portion for treating an objective part and a manipulation portion provided close to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The operator can move the insertion portion forward and backward at least relative to the channel by operating the manipulation portion in a state the endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted in the channel of the endoscope. In this manner, by the manipulation portion, the endoscopic surgical instrument can be operated to move forward and backward relative to the channel. Therefore in case the manipulation portion is located close to a channel entrance (forceps port) of the endoscope, the operator of the endoscope is able to manipulate the endoscopic surgical instrument without assistance from others.