Endoscopic Cutting Instrument with Flexible Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic instruments are inefficient in precisely removing sessile polyps and obtaining samples of multiple polyps from a patient, often requiring separate cutting and retrieval tools, which can lead to incomplete resection and increased risk of malignancy due to the challenges in removing sessile polyps and inefficiencies in handling multiple polyps.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscopic instrument with a cutting assembly and a flexible torque component that integrates cutting and sample retrieval capabilities, allowing for simultaneous resection and removal of polyps through a single instrument channel, enabling efficient debridement and sample collection without the need to alternate tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate cutting tools and separate sample retrieving tools are used, then the instrument structure is simpler, but the operation efficiency decreases and incomplete resection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and sample retrieval functions into a single integrated instrument. The cutting assembly with outer and inner cannulas works together with the flexible outer tubing and torque component to enable both cutting and retrieval operations through one device, eliminating the need to alternate between separate tools and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functional capabilities, allowing it to perform cutting, debridement, and sample retrieval operations. The cutting assembly can precisely remove polyps while the same instrument can retrieve samples, making it a universal tool for multiple surgical tasks that previously required separate specialized instruments.
2Ease of operation
If a single integrated instrument is used for cutting and retrieval, then the operation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional modules: a cutting assembly with outer and inner cannulas, a flexible outer tubing, and a torque component. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together as an integrated system, making the complex device easier to operate by providing clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates flexible outer tubing that can dynamically adapt to different operational requirements. The flexibility allows the instrument to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining operational control, and the dynamic interaction between the torque component and flexible tubing enables precise manipulation during surgery.
3Loss of time
If separate tools are used for cutting and retrieval, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated instrument enables continuous useful action by eliminating the need to switch between separate cutting and retrieval tools. The surgeon can perform cutting and immediately retrieve samples in a continuous workflow, reducing idle time and procedural duration compared to using separate instruments that require alternating use.
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 instrument enables precise and efficient removal of sessile and multiple polyps, reducing the risk of incomplete resection and malignancy by allowing for simultaneous cutting and retrieval, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible outer tubing is configured to receive a torque at the proximal tubing end and transmit the torque to the outer cannula to rotate the outer cannula
Implementation Method 2
The flexible torque component is coupled to a third proximal end of the inner cannula and configured to rotate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a cutting assembly, an outer tubing, and a flexible torque component. The cutting assembly extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end. The cutting assembly includes an outer cannula defining a cutting window and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula. The outer tubing extends from a proximal tubing end to a distal tubing end. The distal tubing end is coupled to the outer cannula. The outer tubing is configured to receive a torque at the proximal tubing end and transmit the torque to the outer cannula to rotate the outer cannula. The outer tubing includes a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires each including more than eight wires and less than twenty four wires. The flexible torque component is coupled to a third proximal end of the inner cannula to rotate the inner cannula.