Interchangeable Surgical Tool Attachments for Single Instrument Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments require multiple dedicated tools for various procedures, such as cutting, stapling, and tissue manipulation, which limits their versatility and efficiency in performing multiple actions during a single operation.
Innovation Solution
Development of interchangeable surgical tools that can be coupled to a single surgical instrument, featuring a handle assembly with a drive system and control rod, allowing for different functions like stapling, cutting, and tissue thickness measurement through modular attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated surgical instruments are used for different procedures (cutting, stapling, tissue manipulation), then each instrument can perform its specific function reliably, but the overall device complexity and number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument employs a universal shaft assembly that can accommodate multiple interchangeable end effectors, each designed for specific surgical functions such as cutting, stapling, or tissue manipulation. The standardized interface and coupling mechanism allow a single instrument body to perform multiple surgical tasks by simply changing the end effector module, thereby reducing the total number of instruments needed while maintaining functional reliability for each specific procedure
2Device complexity
If a single surgical instrument with interchangeable tools is used, then the number of tools and device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability required to perform multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular segments: a reusable shaft assembly containing the drive system and a replaceable end effector module. This segmentation allows the instrument to be configured for different surgical tasks by detaching and attaching appropriate end effectors, providing high adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire instrument system
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows rapid interchange of end effectors during surgical procedures. The coupling system enables quick attachment and detachment of different tool modules, allowing the instrument to adapt its function dynamically based on surgical needs without compromising operational reliability
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated instruments are used for different surgical actions, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the time required to use multiple tools during a single operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal shaft assembly with standardized coupling mechanisms, the instrument allows surgeons to perform multiple surgical actions (cutting, stapling, tissue manipulation) using a single instrument body. The ability to quickly interchange end effectors during a procedure eliminates the time loss associated with setting down one dedicated instrument and picking up another, while each end effector remains optimized for its specific function
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool for use with a surgical instrument including a handle assembly and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and a drive system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a carrier removably couplable to the elongated body, an anvil movably supported for selective movement relative to the carrier in response to drive motions from the drive system, a tissue thickness measuring member movably supported in the carrier and configured to move toward and away from an underside of the anvil in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a sensor arrangement supported between the tissue thickness measuring member and the carrier. The sensor arrangement is configured to interface with an indicator member to provide an indication of a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and the tissue thickness measuring member at a location that is proximal to the anvil when in use.