Endoscopic Actuation Shaft Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, there is a need for surgical devices that can indicate whether the endoscopic portion is in a non-articulated or articulated orientation, as existing devices lack clear feedback mechanisms for proper tool alignment.
Innovation Solution
The surgical device includes a handle assembly with a trigger, a drive mechanism, and an articulating endoscopic assembly featuring a rotatable inner actuation shaft with a flexible portion, a splined inner tube, and surgical anchors, providing audible and tactile feedback to indicate articulation status and secure the end effector to the distal end portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an articulating mechanism is added to the endoscopic device, then the ability to orient the tool assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic device is divided into multiple segments: a proximal handle assembly, a telescoping shaft, and a distal end effector. The telescoping shaft can extend and retract independently, allowing the end effector to be positioned at different distances from the incision site while maintaining control through the handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is nested within the telescoping shaft, which itself is nested within the handle assembly. This nested configuration allows compact storage when not in use while enabling extended functionality during procedures, reducing the overall footprint of the device.
2Ease of operation
If the endoscopic device is made more compact, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the range of motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static compact structure to a dynamic extended structure during use. The telescoping shaft can extend to provide the necessary range of motion for reaching deep into the body cavity while maintaining a compact form factor during insertion and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is pre-loaded with surgical anchors in a compact configuration within the handle assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be inserted in a compact form while having all necessary components ready for immediate use once positioned.
3Reliability
If the end effector is securely attached to the distal end portion, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector can be easily detached from the distal end portion by reversing the attachment sequence. This extraction capability allows for quick replacement of end effectors during procedures while maintaining secure attachment during use through the engagement of the distal end portion with the telescoping shaft.
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 device allows for precise control and feedback during surgical procedures, ensuring the endoscopic portion is correctly oriented and securely attached, enhancing the surgeon's ability to perform tasks like deploying surgical anchors with confidence.
Implementation Method 1
the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot point, the inner actuation shaft being connected to the drive mechanism of the handle assembly such that an actuation of the trigger results in a rotation of the inner actuation shaft
Implementation Method 2
a splined inner tube rotatably supported in the outer tube, wherein the splined inner tube is defined by a pair of opposed longitudinally extending tines and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending channels
Implementation Method 3
an outer tube having a helical thread along an inner surface thereof; a splined inner tube rotatably supported in the outer tube
Implementation Method 4
each anchor includes a threaded body portion, and a head portion defining a pair of opposed radially outer threads and a pair of opposed radial recesses, wherein the pair of radial recess of each head portion receive respective tines of the inner tube and wherein the pair of opposed radially outer threads of each head portion project from the pair of opposed longitudinally extending channels of the inner tube and engage the inner helical thread of the outer tube
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The end effector includes a splined inner tube rotatably supported in an outer tube; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the inner tube of the end effector.