Flexible End Effector for Tissue Conformability in Laparoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face challenges in accurately locating and removing diseased tissue, such as endometriosis, within tight anatomical spaces, particularly during laparoscopic procedures, where it is difficult to orient instruments relative to the tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue or preventing post-operative adhesions.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible surgical instruments with adjustable end effectors that can bend to conform to tissue surfaces, combined with imaging systems for precise visualization and adhesion suppressants to prevent post-operative adhesions, along with implantable monitoring devices for post-operative feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid surgical instruments are used in laparoscopic procedures, then the instrument structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to orient the end effector relative to diseased tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates a flexible shaft that can dynamically change its curvature and orientation in response to surgeon manipulation or pre-set configurations, allowing the end effector to be positioned at various angles relative to the tissue surface without requiring a completely rigid structure
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is divided into multiple flexible segments or articulated sections that can independently bend or rotate, enabling the end effector to navigate complex anatomical paths and orient itself precisely on the tissue surface while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If the end effector is inserted through a small diameter lumen, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but it is difficult to remove diseased tissue flush with the tissue surface
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector utilizes a flexible, thin-profile design that can conform to the tissue surface contours, allowing it to engage the tissue flush with the surface even when constrained within a small diameter lumen, thereby enabling precise tissue removal without excessive bulk
3Ease of operation
If rigid cutting devices are used, then the cutting edge is stable and strong, but the device cannot conform to tissue surfaces for precise removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device employs composite construction combining flexible materials for the shaft and support structures with rigid, sharp cutting edges, allowing the device to conform to tissue surfaces while maintaining a stable and strong cutting edge for precise tissue removal
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for removing biological tissue during a surgical procedure comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector connected to the elongate shaft, the end effector including an edge configured to remove tissue, wherein curvature of one or both of the elongate shaft and end effector is adjustable to position the edge along a tissue surface when the curvature of the one or both of the elongate shaft and end effector is adjusted. A method of incising target tissue from an anatomic wall comprises inserting a shaft of a surgical instrument into an anatomic chamber of a patient, positioning a tissue-removal device connected to the shaft proximate the target tissue, deflecting an axis of the tissue-removal device relative to a central axis of the shaft, and shaving a surface of the anatomic wall by moving the tissue-removal device in a deflected state along the target tissue.