Graspable Surgical Device Adaptor Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

In robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgeries, traditional suction/irrigation devices require manual operation by an assistant, limiting the surgeon's ability to control these devices, as the valves cannot be manipulated remotely, and current graspable distal portions often slip out of graspers due to their design, leading to occlusion or inadequate grip.

Innovation Solution

A graspable suction/irrigation device with a distal portion designed to be easily picked up and manipulated using surgical instruments, featuring a balance of pliable and rigid materials, with configurations such as flexible wings, longitudinal slots, and a durometer suitable for gripping without crushing, allowing for remote control and secure grasping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the distal portion is made smooth and rounded for comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but the grasper cannot get a secure grip and the device slips out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidgrasp security

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The distal portion incorporates localized textured features (transverse ridges, longitudinal grooves, or flutes) on an otherwise smooth surface. These localized texturing elements provide grip points for the grasper jaws while the remaining smooth surface maintains patient comfort during insertion and manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the distal portion is made rigid for structural strength, then device strength is improved, but the device cannot be easily grasped and manipulated by robotic graspers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice strengthVSAvoidgraspability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distal portion is constructed from flexible materials (such as silicone rubber or elastomeric polymers) that allow the grasper jaws to deform and conform to the surface features, enabling secure grasping. The flexibility permits the grasper to compress the distal portion during closure, creating friction and mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines rigid proximal sections (for structural support and valve mechanism) with flexible distal portions (for grasping). This composite construction allows each section to have optimized properties: rigidity where needed for strength and flexibility where needed for graspability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the distal portion is made highly compliant for easy grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but the device may be crushed or deformed by the grasper

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovegraspabilityVSAvoidresistance to crushing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The distal portion uses elastomeric materials with optimized durometer ratings that provide sufficient compliance for grasping while maintaining adequate structural integrity. The material flexibility allows grasper closure without catastrophic deformation, yet retains enough elasticity to recover its shape and maintain lumen patency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The distal portion is pre-formed with specific geometric features (ridges, grooves, flutes) that anticipate the grasping action. These pre-configured features create mechanical interlocking with the grasper jaws before full closure, distributing the compressive forces and preventing localized crushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If manual trumpet valves are used for suction/irrigation control, then ease of operation by assistant is improved, but remote control by robotic system is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidrobotic control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual trumpet valve mechanism is replaced with an electronic or electromechanical valve system that can be actuated by robotic actuators. Sensors detect fluid flow conditions and provide feedback to the control system, enabling automated suction and irrigation control without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system incorporates sensors and control algorithms that automatically adjust suction and irrigation parameters based on detected conditions (such as fluid flow rate, pressure, or presence of tissue), enabling the device to self-regulate without continuous operator input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240050185A1Graspable surgical device

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 VASCULAR TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A system for adapting a tubular surgical device for grasping by a surgical instrument is provided that has a distal portion, an adaptor positioned proximally and configured to be disposed about or within a lumen of the tubular surgical device, which has an effective durometer to resist crushing by the surgical instrument. In some embodiments, the adaptor is configured with an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the lumen of the tubular surgical device. In some embodiments, the adaptor is configured with an external diameter less than or equal to the internal diameter of the tubular surgical device.