Flexible Span Articulation for Minimally Invasive Suturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical devices face challenges in maneuvering through small access holes to perform coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in creating a running stitch for anastomosis.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive suturing device with a flexible span coupling the distal tip to the shaft, featuring an angling link, a plurality of bending links, and an end link, allowing for precise angulation and articulation to navigate through small openings and create sutures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid automated surgical suturing device is used, then the device can perform automated suturing functions, but it cannot maneuver properly through small access holes for coronary artery bypass surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints, allowing the device to bend and articulate while maintaining structural integrity. The shaft comprises multiple segments that can relative move with respect to each other, enabling navigation through small access holes while preserving automated suturing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with multiple degrees of freedom. The flexible joints and articulation mechanisms allow the device to adapt its configuration dynamically to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining operational precision
2Ease of operation
If the device is made flexible to navigate through small openings, then maneuverability improves, but precision in creating running stitches for anastomosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the flexible navigation function (handled by articulated shaft segments) from the precise suturing function (handled by the distal tip and suture delivery mechanism). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - flexibility for navigation and precision for stitch creation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible span acts as an intermediary element that couples the distal tip to the shaft, providing both flexibility for maneuvering and a stable platform for precise suture delivery. The articulation control mechanisms serve as intermediaries between operator input and distal tip positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If an automated surgical suturing device is designed for minimally invasive approaches, then less invasive surgery is enabled, but the device cannot accommodate all positions necessary for coronary artery bypass anastomosis
Solution Approach 1:
The device adds angular and articulation dimensions to the basic linear shaft structure. The angling link provides rotation about one axis while bending links provide articulation about perpendicular axes, creating a multi-dimensional configuration capability that enables access to various anatomical positions
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive suturing device is disclosed. The minimally invasive suturing device has a shaft and a distal tip. The minimally invasive suturing device also has a flexible span coupling the distal tip to the shaft. The flexible span has an angling link, a plurality of bending links, and an end link.