Hollow-Lumen Robotic Surgical Tools for Minimally Invasive Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical tools are limited in their functionality and reliability for minimally invasive procedures, lacking the ability to perform multiple tasks such as aspiration, material delivery, and imaging simultaneously, and often require separate devices for different surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional surgical tool device configured as a tubular forceps or scissors, capable of grasping, cutting, and delivering materials, with integrated energy sources for cauterization and imaging, and featuring a single-piece articulated work element with tendons and living hinges for precise movement, allowing for a single instrument to perform various surgical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical devices are used for different functions (aspiration, material delivery, imaging, cutting), then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (aspiration, material delivery, imaging, cutting, and cauterization) into a single integrated device. The hollow work element serves as a multi-functional platform where the central lumen handles aspiration and material delivery, while the distal end integrates imaging sensors, cutting elements, and energy delivery mechanisms for cauterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal surgical tool where the hollow work element can perform multiple functions through its various components. The central lumen can aspirate fluids or deliver materials, the distal end can image tissue, cut with blades, and cauterize with energy sources, making it applicable to diverse surgical tasks without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical devices are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but procedural time and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (aspiration, material delivery, imaging, cutting, and cauterization) into a single integrated device. The hollow work element serves as a multi-functional platform where the central lumen handles aspiration and material delivery, while the distal end integrates imaging sensors, cutting elements, and energy delivery mechanisms for cauterization.
3Productivity
If a single multi-functional device is used, then procedural efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules within the hollow work element: the central lumen for aspiration/delivery, the distal end for imaging/cutting/cauterization, and the actuation mechanism for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while being integrated into a unified device structure.
4Reliability
If separate devices are used for each surgical function, then device reliability for specific functions is improved, but overall system reliability worsens due to multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (aspiration, material delivery, imaging, cutting, and cauterization) into a single integrated device. The hollow work element serves as a multi-functional platform where the central lumen handles aspiration and material delivery, while the distal end integrates imaging sensors, cutting elements, and energy delivery mechanisms for cauterization.
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
Enables a single instrument to perform multiple surgical tasks with enhanced precision and reliability, including tissue manipulation, material retrieval, and energy delivery, improving efficiency and reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
One or more energy sources may be provided (and/or combined with one another) including, for example, radiofrequency, ultrasonic and laser energy
Implementation Method 2
One or more energy sources may be provided (and/or combined with one another) including, for example, radiofrequency, ultrasonic and laser energy
Implementation Method 3
One or more energy sources may be provided (and/or combined with one another) including, for example, radiofrequency, ultrasonic and laser energy
Data Source
AI summary
Minimally invasive, multi-functional robotic surgical tool devices for use as lavaging, material aspiration or delivery surgical forceps, scissors or clamp or other device, consisting of a monolithic work element and open central lumen with various functional tips. Such devices may in use follow a central lumen of another device or over a wire in a longitudinal direction upon introduction to a body. Flush and vacuum transport mechanisms, imaging mechanisms or energy source mechanisms may be incorporated. Inner and outer sheaths which may be co-axially disposed relative to a work element may be configured to actuate a beak or beaks and provisions for simultaneous beak closing under rotation may be incorporated.