Endoscopic Surgical Device Segmentation for Fastener Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical devices are limited in their ability to switch between using permanent and bioabsorbable surgical fasteners, and they often require disposal after a single use, lacking the option for sterilization and reuse.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoscopic surgical device with a handle assembly and endoscopic assembly that allows for the loading of either permanent or bioabsorbable surgical fasteners, featuring a ferrule that can be rotated to enable connection and disconnection of the endoscopic assembly, and a safety lock assembly to control the drive mechanism, facilitating the use of different types of fasteners and allowing for partial sterilization and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If endoscopic surgical devices are designed to use permanent fasteners, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but adaptability to different surgical requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate modules: a reusable handle assembly and a disposable endoscopic assembly. The handle assembly contains the drive mechanism and can be sterilized for reuse, while the endoscopic assembly is pre-loaded with specific fastener types (permanent or bioabsorbable) and is disposed of after use. This segmentation allows the handle to maintain strength while the disposable endoscopic assembly provides adaptability to different fastener requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of endoscopic assemblies loaded with various fastener types. The drive mechanism in the handle can operate with both permanent and bioabsorbable fasteners, providing multi-functionality. This allows a single handle design to serve multiple surgical scenarios requiring different fastener properties.
2Reliability
If endoscopic surgical devices are designed for single-use disposal, then ease of sterilization and reliability are improved, but loss of substance and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable handle assembly and a disposable endoscopic assembly. The handle assembly, which contains expensive mechanical components and can be properly sterilized, is designed for multiple uses. The endoscopic assembly, which is pre-loaded with fasteners and cannot be effectively sterilized, is designed for single use and disposal. This segmentation minimizes waste of the valuable handle components while ensuring proper disposal of the contaminated endoscopic assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design implements a strategy where the handle assembly is recovered and reused after sterilization, while the endoscopic assembly is discarded after single use. This approach recovers the valuable, sterilizable components for repeated use, reducing overall material waste and cost while maintaining reliability through proper sterilization of the reusable portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If endoscopic surgical devices are designed to support multiple fastener types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device complexity related to handling different fastener types is segregated into the disposable endoscopic assembly rather than the reusable handle. Each endoscopic assembly is optimized for specific fastener types, simplifying the handle design. The handle only needs to provide a universal loading interface and drive mechanism, while the complexity of accommodating different fastener geometries and loading procedures is contained in the disposable endoscopic portion.
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
Enables the efficient application of either permanent or bioabsorbable surgical fasteners as needed, with the option for partial sterilization and reuse of the device, enhancing versatility and reducing waste in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The outer tube (310) includes a helical thread disposed within the lumen thereof... the pair of opposed radially outer threads of each head portion projects from the pair of opposed longitudinally extending channels of the inner tube and engage the inner helical thread of the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
the splined distal end of the inner tube is defined by a pair of opposed longitudinally extending tines and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending channels... wherein the pair of radial recesses of each head portion receives respective tines of the inner tube
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical device is provided and includes a handle assembly including a handle housing and a trigger operatively connected to the handle housing, and a drive mechanism actuatable by the trigger; and an endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the handle assembly. The endoscopic assembly includes an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough and having a helical thread disposed within the lumen thereof; an inner tube rotatably supported in the outer tube and being operatively connectable to the drive mechanism, the inner tube defining a splined distal end, wherein the splined distal end of the inner tube is defined by a pair of opposed longitudinally extending tines and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending channels; and a plurality of surgical anchors loaded in the splined distal end of the inner tube.