Surgical Forceps With Flexible Joint And Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laparoscopic surgeries, inexperienced assistants may struggle to understand instructions from the operating surgeon, leading to difficulties in operating grasping forceps correctly, which can hinder the smooth progression of the medical procedure.
Innovation Solution
A surgical forceps design featuring a flexible joint portion and a grasping portion opening/closing mechanism, allowing the forceps to be used in both linear and flexed states, with a ratchet mechanism for adjusting grasping force, enabling both experienced and inexperienced assistants to operate effectively by facilitating precise control and force adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional grasping forceps is used operated by an assistant, then the assistant can support the surgical procedure, but an inexperienced assistant may not understand the operating surgeon's instructions and may operate the forceps incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical forceps is equipped with a demonstration function where the operating surgeon can demonstrate the desired forceps operation to the assistant. The forceps system allows the operating surgeon to operate the forceps while the assistant observes the demonstration, enabling the assistant to understand and replicate the correct operation without requiring complex verbal instructions.
2Reliability
If the operating surgeon gives detailed instructions to the assistant, then the assistant can operate the forceps correctly, but the operating surgeon is burdened with coaching the assistant which reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps system enables the operating surgeon to demonstrate the desired operation directly through the forceps themselves. The assistant observes the demonstration and replicates the motion, eliminating the need for verbal coaching and allowing the operating surgeon to focus entirely on the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps system acts as an intermediary between the operating surgeon and the assistant. Instead of direct communication through instructions, the operating surgeon's intended action is transmitted through the forceps demonstration, which the assistant then replicates, reducing the communication burden on the operating surgeon.
3Productivity
If the assistant operates the forceps independently, then the surgical procedure can proceed, but errors may occur due to lack of understanding or inexperience
Solution Approach 1:
The assistant replicates the operating surgeon's demonstrated forceps operation, ensuring operational accuracy. By copying the demonstration rather than operating independently based on verbal instructions, the assistant minimizes errors while maintaining procedural flow.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid forceps structure is used, then the forceps provides stable grasping, but it cannot adapt to different surgical positions and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps incorporates a flexible section that allows the distal end to bend and adapt to different surgical positions and angles while the proximal end remains stable for operation. This dynamic structure enables the forceps to maintain grasping stability while achieving positional adaptability throughout the abdominal cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps is divided into a proximal end portion for operation and a distal end portion for grasping, connected by a flexible section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the proximal end provides stable operation while the distal end adapts to various positions through flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical forceps includes: an insertion portion including, an internal space formed along a longitudinal axis, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion; a grasping portion provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion; an operation rod having one end and the other end and arranged in the internal space of the insertion portion, the one end being connected to the grasping portion; an operation portion provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and connected to the other end of the operation rod, the operation portion being configured to operate a movement of the grasping portion; and a portion to be operated provided in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and connected to the operation rod such that the operation rod is movable according to an operation by an external force.