Laparoscopic Tissue Manipulator with Pivotable Fingers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic tissue manipulation devices provide limited access and visibility to surgical sites and lack gripping capabilities, making controlled tissue movement difficult during procedures like liver resections.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic tissue manipulator device with a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a tool assembly featuring pivotable fingers with a hydrophilic, transparent cover, allowing for improved visibility and gripping capabilities by expanding outwardly for better access and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing manipulation devices scoop and elevate tissue, then tissue can be lifted for access, but gripping capability is lost and controlled tissue movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is segmented into multiple individual fingers (at least three fingers) that can be independently actuated. Each finger is a separate element that can be controlled to move between retracted and extended positions, allowing selective gripping of tissue at different locations and angles, thus providing both gripping capability and controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers are designed to be dynamically movable between retracted and extended positions through actuation mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the fingers to adapt their configuration based on the surgical needs, enabling both tissue elevation and controlled gripping movements as required by the surgical procedure.
2Area of stationary object
If fingers are expanded outwardly to improve access, then visibility and accessibility to surgical site is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
When the fingers are in the retracted position, they are positioned within or alongside the elongate body, creating a compact profile that facilitates insertion through small incisions. The fingers can then be extended outwardly to provide wide access and visibility at the surgical site, achieving both compact storage and expanded functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers serve multiple functions: they can be used for tissue retraction, gripping, manipulation, and exposure of surgical sites. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments, thereby managing device complexity while providing comprehensive surgical capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If fingers are made with open interior U-shaped configuration, then gripping capability is provided, but tissue trauma may occur without proper covering
Solution Approach 1:
A cover formed from a hydrophilic material is provided over the open interior of each finger. This flexible cover conforms to the tissue surface, distributing contact pressure and reducing trauma while maintaining the gripping capability of the U-shaped finger structure. The hydrophilic nature of the material also reduces friction and tissue adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic cover acts as an intermediary between the rigid finger structure and the soft tissue. It provides a compliant interface that enables effective gripping and manipulation while protecting the tissue from direct contact with potentially traumatic rigid surfaces, thus reducing tissue trauma.
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
Enhances visibility and accessibility to surgical sites, reduces tissue trauma, and provides better control during procedures by allowing for controlled tissue manipulation without damaging adjacent tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The cover is formed from a hydrophilic material
Implementation Method 2
the cover is formed of a transparent material
Implementation Method 3
Each of the fingers is secured to the distal portion of the elongate body about a first pivot member. The fingers are pivotable about an axis defined by the first pivot member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
A laparoscopic tissue manipulator device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is supported on the distal portion of the elongate body and includes fingers. Each of the fingers includes a body having an elongate U-shaped configuration with a blunt distal end and an open interior and is secured to a distal portion of the elongate body about a first pivot member. The fingers are pivotable from a contracted position in which the fingers are aligned with each other and with the second longitudinal axis and an expanded position in which the fingers are splayed outwardly from the first pivot member at different angular positions in relation to the second longitudinal axis. A cover is supported on the each of the fingers to cover the open interior of the body of the fingers.