Endoscopic Blade Cutouts Enhance Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic carpal tunnel release instruments have a narrow visualization window, limiting the surgeon's field of view and increasing the risk of accidental damage to surrounding anatomical structures during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates cutout sections on the side walls of the blade assembly, an integrated tissue retractor spring, and a marking member to enhance visibility and tissue management, along with a curved blade assembly and a disposable, In-Line handle for improved maneuverability and reduced assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional endoscopic blade assembly with solid side walls is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the visualization field is limited and tissue obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid side walls of the blade assembly are segmented by introducing cutout sections at strategic locations. These cutouts divide the continuous wall structure into sections, allowing light and visual fields to pass through while maintaining structural integrity of the remaining wall portions. This segmentation directly increases the visualization field and reduces tissue obstruction during endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Material is extracted from the blade assembly body by creating cutout sections in the side walls. These removed portions are strategically positioned to eliminate obstacles in the surgical field, allowing better visualization and access to the carpal tunnel structures without compromising the essential structural function of the blade assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-component blade assembly is used, then the functionality is enhanced, but the assembly complexity and risk of accidental damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade mechanism, optical system, and tissue retraction features are merged into a single integrated blade assembly unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components that would require complex assembly and disassembly procedures. The integrated design maintains enhanced functionality for tissue management while reducing overall assembly complexity and minimizing opportunities for accidental damage during assembly or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structure: cutting the transverse carpal ligament, providing visualization through cutout sections, and retracting tissue via integrated springs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments and components, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability for various surgical needs.
3Illumination intensity
If a non-transparent blade assembly body is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the surgeon visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly body exhibits local quality variations: the side walls contain transparent or translucent windows that allow light transmission and surgeon visibility, while other portions of the structure maintain opaque, strong material properties for structural support. This localized differentiation of optical properties allows the assembly to simultaneously achieve enhanced visibility where needed and structural strength where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly body is designed with asymmetric optical properties rather than uniform transparency or opacity. The side walls feature transparent sections positioned to provide optimal surgical field visualization, while the front and back portions maintain opaque, strength-oriented material characteristics. This asymmetric design optimizes both visibility and structural integrity according to the specific functional requirements of different assembly regions.
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 enhanced design provides a 30-40% increase in visualization field, reduces tissue obstruction, and simplifies the assembly process, making the procedure safer and more efficient by minimizing the risk of nerve damage and improving surgeon visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is made from a resilient material such as, but not limited to, spring steel or shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
The body can be manufactured from a solid or transparent bio-compatible material
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery having a solid or transparent body and open windows on each of the opposing sides at the distal end, proximate a top open region. The open windows can be arcs or other configurations either open or with bars which are generally integral with the top and extend across the windows. An integrated tissue retractor spring, once activated, extends above the open region and when not activated rests within the open region. A marking member, that can be in fluid contact with a marking reservoir, can be placed at the distal end of the body. In another embodiment the body can be curved using a flexible blade shaft. In a further embodiment the handle has a linear body, containing a blade activation mechanism, at least one activation trigger, and a connector means.