Laparoscopic Scissor-Grasper with Interlocking Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive surgical tools lack multi-functionality, leading to the need for frequent tool interchange during procedures, which can cause complications and increase procurement and maintenance costs, while existing designs often suffer from limitations in precision, accidental cuts, and limited rotational ability.

Innovation Solution

A single shaft laparoscopic instrument with four jaw members and an integral mechanical interlocking system that allows for selectable locking configurations, enabling both cutting and grasping functionalities with infinite rotational ability, independent surfaces for cutting and grasping, and easy sterilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tools are used for cutting and grasping functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but surgical time increases and risk of complications increases due to frequent tool interchange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cutting and grasping functions into a single surgical instrument by integrating two jaw members with different functional surfaces on the same shaft, eliminating the need to interchange between separate cutting scissors and grasping forceps during laparoscopic procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed with universal functionality to perform both cutting and grasping operations through a single device, where the first jaw member provides cutting surface and the second jaw member provides grasping surface, allowing one tool to replace multiple specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tools are used for cutting and grasping functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but procurement and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple surgical tools (cutting scissors and grasping forceps) into a single integrated instrument, reducing the total quantity of tools that need to be procured, stored, sterilized, and maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing a universal instrument that can perform both cutting and grasping functions, the patent reduces the number of specialized tools required in the surgical suite, thereby reducing procurement and maintenance costs associated with maintaining multiple separate tool inventories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If cutting and grasping portions are contained within the same arm at same angle of motion, then structural simplicity is achieved, but risk of accidental cuts or clamps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design by providing different functional surfaces on the two jaw members (cutting surface on first jaw, grasping surface on second jaw) that are independently controllable, allowing differential motion between the jaws to prevent accidental cutting while maintaining grasping function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is segmented into two distinct jaw members with independent functional surfaces, allowing each jaw to be controlled separately to enhance safety by preventing unintended cutting actions while maintaining grasping capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If laparoscopic tools have long shafts and thin cross sections for minimally invasive access, then patient injury is reduced, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient injuryVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into segmented components including shaft, handle assembly, and jaw members that can be manufactured separately with standard precision tolerances and then assembled, making the long thin structure manufacturable without requiring excessive precision in a single monolithic component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11612406B2Combinational scissor-grasper tool for use in laparoscopy

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a four-jawed combinational scissor-grasper surgical tool for use in laparoscopy. Cutting and grasping functionalities are respectively enabled via movement of a pair of such specially contoured jaw members sliding against or splaying apart from the other pair. Also disclosed are means for achieving selectable interlocking of jaw members and mechanical linkage for their actuation by human user.