Endoscopic Instrument with Interchangeable End Effector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic procedures are limited by the size of the port through which instruments are inserted, restricting the size of instruments that can be used and resulting in larger scars due to the need for larger ports for larger instruments.

Innovation Solution

A system with an actuation assembly and end effector that allows for selective attachment and detachment within the body cavity, enabling instruments of different sizes to be used through a single port, including a handle assembly with a trigger mechanism, slider mechanism, and latch mechanism, and a holder for facilitating attachment of end effectors to the shaft assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a larger port is used to accommodate larger instruments, then the instrument size capability is improved, but the scar size in tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument size capabilityVSAvoidscar size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument system is segmented into a shaft assembly that remains in the port and an end effector that can be exchanged. This allows the port size to remain small while the end effector can be of various sizes, resolving the contradiction between instrument size capability and scar size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different end effectors of varying sizes and functions. This multi-functionality allows a single small port to serve multiple surgical needs without requiring larger ports, thus maintaining small scar size while improving instrument size capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are inserted through separate ports, then each instrument can be optimized for its function, but the number of incisions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument function optimizationVSAvoidnumber of incisions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft assembly serves as a universal access platform that can receive multiple different end effectors. This allows a single incision to provide access to multiple specialized instruments, optimizing instrument function while minimizing the number of incisions required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different end effectors are designed to be nested within or attached to the shaft assembly, similar to nested dolls. This allows multiple specialized instruments to be accessed through a single incision point, reducing the total number of incisions while maintaining functional optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shaft assembly is retracted to change end effectors, then end effector interchangeability is improved, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector interchangeabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is extracted as a separate, exchangeable component from the shaft assembly. This allows the end effector to be changed without retracting the entire instrument system, maintaining the sealed connection between the shaft assembly and the body cavity, thus improving interchangeability while preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism acts as an intermediary interface between the shaft assembly and the end effector. This intermediary allows for quick attachment and detachment of end effectors without breaking the seal or requiring retraction of the shaft assembly, enabling safe interchangeability while maintaining reliability and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a single large port is used for all instruments, then the complexity of multiple ports is reduced, but the tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport configurationVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument system is segmented so that only the necessary end effector portion enters the body through the port, while the bulk of the instrument remains outside. This segmentation allows a single small port to replace multiple large ports, reducing device complexity while minimizing tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11013524B2Systems for performing endoscopic procedures

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A system for performing an endoscopic procedure is provided. The system includes an actuation assembly having a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The system also includes an end effector configured for selective and operative connection to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The system further includes a holder for selectively engaging the end effector and facilitating attachment of the end effector to the shaft assembly.