Endoscopic Microinstrument Rotating Distal Tip for Single-Port Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive endoscopic surgical procedures require multiple openings for viewing and tool insertion, making it difficult for surgeons to view the desired area while manipulating surgical tools, and existing systems lack efficient solutions for simultaneous tool and camera movement.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic microinstrument with a rigid proximal body, a distal end portion that can rotate and articulate, and a camera system that can move independently or synchronously with the tool, allowing for 2D or 3D imaging and controlled by multiple controllers for precise manipulation within a single opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate openings are used for viewing scope and surgical tool insertion, then each component can be accessed independently, but the number of surgical openings increases which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the viewing scope and surgical tool into a single integrated endoscopic microinstrument that can be inserted through one opening. The instrument includes both an imaging device and a surgical tool within the same shaft, allowing simultaneous viewing and surgical manipulation through a single access point, thereby eliminating the need for separate openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic microinstrument is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both imaging and surgical functions. The single instrument can switch between viewing mode and surgical intervention mode, providing universal functionality that replaces the need for separate specialized instruments and openings.
2Device complexity
If a single opening is used for both viewing and tool insertion, then the number of openings is reduced, but it becomes difficult to view the desired area while manipulating the surgical tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotatable distal end portion that can independently rotate relative to the proximal body, allowing the imaging device and surgical tool to be dynamically repositioned. This rotational freedom enables the surgeon to orient the viewing angle and tool direction independently, maintaining optimal viewing of the surgical site while manipulating the tool through the same opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into separable functional modules including a proximal body, a rotatable distal end portion, and independently controllable imaging and surgical components. This segmentation allows each module to be controlled independently, enabling simultaneous viewing and tool manipulation without interference between functions.
3Device complexity
If the camera and tool are fixed relative to each other, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to independently position the camera for optimal viewing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the proximal body, creating a dynamic configuration that allows independent positioning of the camera and surgical tool. This rotational degree of freedom enables the camera to be oriented at different angles while the tool maintains its operational position, providing adaptability for various surgical viewpoints without complicating the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic microinstrument may include a substantially rigid body having first and second ends, a channel between the first and second ends; a substantially rigid end portion movably coupled to the body and having first and second ends; a tool located at the first end of the end portion and including first and second anvils; first and second handles coupled to the body, at least one of the handles further coupled to the tool and configured to control actuation of at least one of the first and second anvils; a camera coupled to, and situated to a side of, the substantially rigid end portion, the camera configured to obtain images of a region-of-interest; and an end portion controller coupled to the body and configured angulate and/or rotate the substantially rigid end portion relative to the substantially rigid body.