Endoscopic surgical system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical tools with combined endoscope and surgical instrument functions lose visualization when the surgical instrument is withdrawn, and existing solutions do not allow for independent orientation and easy replacement of instruments without modifying commercially available tools, and require separate control of video and surgical instrument components.
Innovation Solution
A compactly integrated endoscopic surgical tool with a multi-channeled tubular body and handle assembly that allows for proximally replaceable surgical instruments, independent orientation, and one-handed operation, compatible with existing instruments, featuring a video imaging and illumination subsystem, and mechanisms for axial and angular retention of instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the surgical instrument is withdrawn from the patient, then the surgeon can replace it with a different instrument, but the visualization system is withdrawn simultaneously and visualization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable control handle containing the video sensor and electronics, and replaceable surgical instrument modules. This segmentation allows the video sensor to remain in the control handle while only the surgical instrument portion is exchanged, maintaining continuous visualization during instrument replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle assembly serves as an intermediary component that houses the video sensor separately from the surgical instrument. This intermediary structure enables the surgical instrument to be replaced without removing the video sensor, thus maintaining the visualization link to the surgical site.
2Reliability
If the endoscope and surgical instruments are separate independent devices inserted through separate access openings, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and requires multiple access points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the endoscope and surgical instrument into a single integrated device where the video sensor, illumination system, and surgical instrument are combined in one unit inserted through a single access opening. This reduces procedural complexity while maintaining the functional optimization of separate components through modular design.
3Ease of operation
If a combined endoscope/surgical instrument device is used, then only a single device needs to be inserted and the visualization system is pre-aligned, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The combined device is segmented into modular components including a control handle with video sensor and replaceable instrument modules. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall structure by allowing standardized interfaces and independent optimization of each module, reducing the complexity burden of the combined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different surgical instrument modules through standardized coupling mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using a common housing and control system for various surgical applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the video endoscope is inserted through a separate channel from the surgical instrument, then both can function independently, but the control systems become inherently separate and harder to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The video endoscope and surgical instrument control systems are merged into a single integrated control handle assembly. The video sensor, illumination control, and instrument actuation are all managed from one unified control interface, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining independent functional capabilities through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus, device or tool for performing endoscopic (that is, minimally invasive) surgery. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a video endoscope whilst in another embodiment of the invention includes an endoscopic surgical tool which, when equipped with one of a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments, can be used by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures inside a body. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a suite of endoscopic surgical instruments designed to work co-operatively with the endoscopic surgical tool. In another embodiment of the present invention, a video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes the video-assisted endoscopic surgical tool and a suite of at least one endoscopic surgical instrument.