Friction-Based Medical Instrument Support for Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries face challenges due to the need for human assistants to hold and reposition medical instruments, leading to fatigue, potential miscommunication, and risks associated with instrument movement during gynecological procedures, as existing systems lack the flexibility and stability to allow for precise and safe repositioning of instruments.
Innovation Solution
The development of repositionable medical instrument support systems featuring friction-based joint systems, including adjustable-friction ball and socket joints and sliding joints, which allow for multiple degrees of freedom, enabling instruments to be statically positioned and easily repositioned by overcoming friction forces, thereby reducing the reliance on human assistants and minimizing risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human assistants manually hold and reposition medical instruments during surgery, then instruments can be positioned and adjusted, but assistant fatigue and miscommunication occur leading to instability and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The support system enables self-positioning through friction-based joints that allow the instrument to be easily repositioned by applying force to overcome friction, eliminating the need for continuous human assistance while maintaining stable positioning once set
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic friction-based joints that provide controlled movement capability, allowing the instrument to be repositioned when needed while maintaining stability during surgical procedures through adjustable friction forces
2Adaptability or versatility
If human assistants manually reposition instruments based on surgeon instructions, then instrument adjustment is possible, but communication errors and misunderstanding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the surgeon or assistant to directly reposition the instrument by applying force to overcome friction at the joints, eliminating the need for verbal communication and ensuring precise positioning according to surgical needs
3Productivity
If traditional straight stick surgery with pelvic assistant is used, then uterine manipulation is possible, but assistant fatigue and occupational health issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The support system eliminates the need for continuous manual holding by the pelvic assistant, allowing the instrument to maintain its position through friction-based joints while enabling easy repositioning when required, thereby reducing assistant fatigue and workload
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
These systems provide stable and precise support for medical instruments during procedures, reducing fatigue and miscommunication risks, allowing for safe and efficient repositioning of instruments, enhancing the control and precision of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one resilient member is configured to create a longitudinal friction force between the support bar and the resilient member along a longitudinal axis of the hole to enable the body to limit translational motion of the support bar along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein provides repositionable medical instrument support systems, devices, and methods. A repositionable medical instrument support system comprises a frame for rigidly connecting the system to a patient support, a ball and socket joint configured to provide three degrees of rotational freedom, a frame mounting arm configured to releasably mount the ball and socket joint to the frame, a sliding joint configured to provide one degree of translational freedom, a connecting arm configured to connect the sliding joint to the ball and socket joint, and a docking member configured to engage a medical instrument to support the medical instrument during a medical procedure.