Laparoscopic Instrument Detachable End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices for minimally invasive procedures lack efficient mechanisms for remotely and selectively attaching various surgical end effectors to a shaft within the body, requiring frequent tool assistance and resulting in larger incisions and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device comprising an elongate shaft with a detachable loader that allows ex vivo loading of end effectors, which can be selectively attached and detached in vivo using a bayonet connection or other mechanisms, enabling quick exchanges and minimizing incision size through a small diameter shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional surgical devices are used with fixed end effectors, then the incision size must be large enough to accommodate the entire instrument, but this increases trauma and recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is divided into two main segments: a reusable shaft that remains in the patient's body and interchangeable end effectors that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the incision to be sized for the thin shaft only, while the functional end effectors can be selected and changed as needed, resolving the contradiction between small incision size and instrument versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different end effectors through a standardized attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single shaft to perform various surgical procedures by simply changing the end effector, eliminating the need for multiple complete instruments and enabling small incisions to support diverse surgical needs
2Productivity
If end effectors are exchanged in vivo using traditional methods, then additional tools and assistance are required, but this increases surgical time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing the surgeon to attach and detach end effectors independently without requiring additional tools or assistant personnel. The mechanism includes self-aligning features and simple engagement actions that can be performed directly by the surgeon at the surgical site, improving exchange speed while keeping the mechanism relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable loader serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the attachment of end effectors to the shaft in vivo. The loader holds the end effector and guides it onto the shaft during attachment, and can be easily removed after use. This intermediary simplifies the attachment process and reduces the complexity of the direct coupling mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complete surgical instruments are used for different procedures, then surgical versatility is high, but instrument cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different end effectors through a standardized attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single shaft to perform various surgical procedures by simply changing the end effector, eliminating the need for multiple complete instruments and reducing both cost and storage requirements while maintaining high surgical versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the common functional elements (shaft, handle, actuation mechanisms) into a single reusable platform, while only the procedure-specific end effectors are exchanged. This combining of shared components reduces the total number of instruments needed, as the same shaft can be used across multiple procedures with different end effectors attached
Data Source
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AI summary
A laparoscopic surgical device comprises an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch. The elongate pin is axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising jaws that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.