Endoscopic Guide Tool With Segmented Channels For Ligament Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic carpal tunnel release systems face challenges such as the knife cutting tip inadvertently engaging anatomy due to improper alignment and interference between the endoscope and knife within a single channel, leading to potential accidental cuts and difficulty in precise manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A guide tool with separate channels for the endoscope and knife, featuring a self-dilating tip, pivot pin and groove system for knife stability, and indicators for proper orientation, along with a cover piece to prevent anatomy from getting caught, ensures the knife remains concealed and securely positioned during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the endoscope and knife are placed in a single channel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the knife may inadvertently engage anatomy due to interference between the endoscope and knife
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool is divided into separate channels: a first channel for the endoscope and a second channel for the knife. This segmentation prevents interference between the endoscope and knife, eliminating the risk of accidental anatomy engagement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the knife is made independently manipulable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the knife may be difficult to position precisely due to lack of guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool serves as an intermediary structure that provides precise geometric guidance for the knife. The guide includes a second channel with specific geometry and a pivot pin system that mediates between the independent manipulation capability and precise positioning requirements, ensuring accurate alignment during cutting.
3Ease of operation
If the guide tool is designed with a self-dilating tip, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool incorporates a self-dilating tip that dynamically changes its configuration during insertion. The tip transitions from a compressed state for easy insertion through tight spaces to an expanded state for stable positioning, providing ease of operation without requiring complex external mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release. The apparatus includes a retrograde knife and a guide tool for guiding the knife and a scope during surgery. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicators showing the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator for preventing re-use of a single use device.