Interchangeable Tip Reload for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive thoracic surgical procedures require multiple instruments, increasing complexity and time, as existing devices are not adaptable to perform various surgical steps without introducing additional instruments into the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with an end effector that can receive interchangeable tips, allowing for multiple surgical procedures without additional instruments, featuring a handle, elongated body, cartridge assembly, and anvil assembly, with tips that can be magnetically secured and vary in geometry and material for specific functions such as dissection, cautery, and tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical instruments are used to perform different surgical procedures, then each specific surgical task can be performed with a dedicated instrument, but the overall procedural complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device employs a universal end effector assembly that can perform multiple surgical functions through interchangeable tips. The single device can execute stapling, dissection, tissue manipulation, and other procedures by swapping tips, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is segmented into a modular design where the tip component can be separated and replaced. This segmentation allows the main body to remain while only the functional tip needs to be changed, enabling versatile functionality without requiring complete instrument replacement and simplifying the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate surgical instruments are introduced into the surgical site, then each specific function can be performed, but the procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional tips are prepared and available before the surgical procedure begins. The surgeon can quickly swap between pre-prepared tips for different functions (stapling, dissection, etc.) without needing to introduce new instruments during the procedure, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining full functional capability.
3Device complexity
If a single device with interchangeable tips is used, then procedural complexity and time are reduced, but the device must accommodate multiple tip types and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is designed with a standardized interface and magnetic securing mechanism at the tip connection point. This localized design feature ensures that all interchangeable tips can be universally accommodated and securely attached, providing tip compatibility without compromising the simplicity of the overall device structure.
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 efficient performance of multiple surgical procedures with a single device, reducing procedural time and complexity by allowing surgeons to select appropriate interchangeable tips for different tasks, facilitating minimally invasive surgeries like thoracic surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The interchangeable tip may be magnetically secured to one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. A magnet on the proximal portion of the interchangeable tip may facilitate proper placement and securing of the interchangeable tip.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device including an end effector that is configured and adapted to receive an interchangeable tip is disclosed. Also disclosed are several interchangeable tips that are configured and adapted for different surgical procedures. The interchangeable tips facilitate the performance of different surgical procedures while using the same device.