Laparoscopic Instrument Constraint Device for Grip Training
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic instruments are often over-gripped during surgeries due to lack of proper handling training, leading to potential tissue damage and instability, as existing training methods fail to adequately address tool stability and haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical constraint device with a passive or active mechanism that prevents over-gripping by using a clamp and adjustable palm rest or elastic finger guard to provide kinematic control and resistive feedback, ensuring proper grip and tool stability during training and surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional training methods are used for laparoscopic instruments, then surgeons can perform basic surgical tasks, but over-gripping occurs leading to tissue damage and decreased tool stability
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint device applies preliminary anti-action by physically preventing over-gripping before it can cause harm. The device includes a constraint mechanism that limits the maximum grip force a surgeon can apply to the laparoscopic instrument, thereby preemptively blocking the harmful effect of excessive gripping force that would otherwise damage tissue or destabilize the tool during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint device serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's hand and the laparoscopic instrument. It mediates the interaction by providing haptic feedback when grip force exceeds a safe threshold, and by mechanically constraining the finger movement through the finger hole, thus protecting the surgical system from harmful over-gripping while allowing proper surgical manipulation
2Ease of operation
If existing training programs are implemented, then surgeons learn basic laparoscopic skills, but proper handling and ergonomics are overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint device implements feedback by providing haptic resistance when a surgeon attempts to over-grip the instrument. The device includes a spring mechanism or elastic element that engages when finger movement exceeds a predetermined threshold, giving the surgeon immediate tactile feedback about improper grip force, thereby reinforcing proper handling techniques through sensory information
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint device enables self-service training by allowing surgeons to practice and receive corrective feedback independently during training sessions. The device automatically monitors grip force and provides real-time haptic feedback without requiring external supervision or complex sensor systems, making proper ergonomics training self-correcting and accessible
3Loss of information
If external sensors are added to provide tactile feedback, then haptic information is improved, but device complexity increases and tool stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint device replaces complex electronic sensor systems with a purely mechanical solution. It uses spring elements, elastic bands, or rigid constraint structures with predetermined mechanical properties to provide haptic feedback and grip force limitation, eliminating the need for external sensors, electronics, and associated complexity while maintaining tool stability and providing necessary tactile information
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
The constraint device effectively prevents over-gripping, enhancing tool stability and reducing the risk of tissue damage by promoting proper handling techniques, as demonstrated by improved surgical performance and reduced errors in training trials.
Implementation Method 1
The active constraint mechanism may include an elastic or other flexible membrane to resist the user' grip
Data Source
AI summary
A passive constraint device is disclosed which attaches to a laparoscopic instrument to kinematically constrain the user from over-gripping the instrument and to train the user in proper handling of the instrument. Passive constraint devices include three degrees of freedom adjustment of a palm rest and clamps to the laparoscopic instrument. An active constraint device is disclosed which attaches to a laparoscopic instrument to dynamically constrain a user from over-gripping the instrument and provide resistive feedback to a user to train the user in proper handling of the instrument. Active constraint devices include a finger guard that, in one embodiment, is elastic and, in other embodiments, is solid but connects to finger loops of a laparoscopic instrument via elastic connectors. Methods of use include a method for training surgical residents in the proper handling of laparoscopic instruments using passive and active constraint devices during residency training.