Inter-Layer Endoscopic Dissector With Wireframe Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimally invasive surgical instruments lack effective designs for operating between tissue layers, particularly in scenarios with adhesions or conjoined tissue, limiting the effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive endoscopic device with a fixed and pivotable jaw configuration forms a wedge to create a working space between tissue layers, featuring a wireframe structure to prevent fluid accumulation and enhance visibility, and includes a handle-actuated mechanism for jaw movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mediastinoscopes are used to create working space within naturally occurring cavities, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but the devices are ineffective for operating between tissue layers with adhesions or conjoined tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to inter-layer proceduresVSAvoideffectiveness in adhesive tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a movable jaw that can pivot between closed and open positions, transforming the instrument from a static cavity explorer to a dynamic inter-layer dissection tool. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to adhesive tissue conditions by actively creating separation between tissue layers rather than merely observing naturally occurring cavities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The jaw structure is divided into separate movable components that can independently position and manipulate tissue. This segmentation allows the jaws to gently separate adhered tissue layers without requiring a pre-existing cavity, enabling the device to function effectively in inter-layer procedures where traditional unified cavity-exploring instruments fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If solid jaw structures are used to create working space, then tissue separation is achieved, but fluid accumulation between jaws reduces visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility at surgical siteVSAvoidvisual obstruction by fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw structures incorporate porous or mesh-like materials that allow surgical fluids to pass through rather than accumulate. This porous construction maintains structural integrity for tissue separation while eliminating fluid pooling that would otherwise obstruct the surgical field and reduce visibility at the operative site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The solid mechanical jaw structure is replaced with a porous or open-framework design that uses fluid permeability rather than fluid blocking. This substitution transforms the mechanism from one that mechanically prevents fluid accumulation through tight sealing to one that allows controlled fluid passage, thereby maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If open wireframe jaw structures are used to prevent fluid accumulation, then visibility is maximized, but structural strength for tissue separation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidjaw structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw structure combines porous or wireframe materials with reinforcing elements to create a composite construction. This composite design provides the necessary structural strength for tissue separation while maintaining the open framework geometry that prevents fluid accumulation and maximizes surgical visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The wireframe structure utilizes curved and rounded geometric forms that distribute mechanical stresses more effectively than sharp angles. This curved geometry maintains structural integrity and strength while preserving the open framework design that allows fluid passage and enhances visibility at the surgical site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Facilitates efficient inter-layer dissection by creating a clear working volume for surgical tools, reducing tissue and fluid obstruction, and improving visibility, thus enhancing the efficacy of minimally invasive surgeries like resternotomy and other procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The distal end of the endoscopic device may be shaped like a wedge to facilitate advancement between two layers of tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

a second jaw movable about a pivot to an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS12588924B2Minimally invasive dissector for inter-layer procedures

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENT CORP

AI summary

A device for minimally invasive, inter-layer surgical procedures advantageously forms a wedge for advancing between adjacent tissue layers and provides a jaw that can be actuated to create a working space for a cutting tool and other instruments within a plane between the tissue layers. The device may also usefully employ an open or wireframe structure for the opposing jaws to preventing tissue or fluid accumulation between the jaws and maximize visibility around the surgical site.