Laparoscopic Instrument Integration to Reduce Surgical Tool Exchanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic instruments are limited by their single functionality, necessitating multiple instrument exchanges and frequent repositioning, which prolongs operative time, increases tissue trauma, and complicates procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional laparoscopic instrument integrating grasping, irrigation, suction, and electrosurgery capabilities into a single handheld device, controlled through a joystick, trigger, and mode selection interface, with internal logic circuitry for coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate instruments are used for different surgical functions, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of instrument exchanges increases and operative time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The laparoscopic instrument integrates multiple surgical functions including grasping, cutting, coagulation, suction, and irrigation into a single unified device. The end effector can perform tissue manipulation, divide tissue, coagulate blood vessels, remove fluids, and deliver irritants through integrated mechanisms, eliminating the need to exchange between multiple specialized instruments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate surgical functions into one instrument by integrating mechanical grasping elements with electrosurgical components, fluid delivery channels, and suction pathways. The handle assembly and shaft structure accommodate all these functions simultaneously, allowing surgeons to perform multiple operations without instrument exchange.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to perform different functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but the complexity of managing multiple tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument provides a single unified device that can perform grasping, cutting, coagulation, suction, and irrigation functions. The end effector assembly includes integrated electrodes, fluid delivery channels, and suction pathways that can be activated as needed, giving the surgeon one versatile tool instead of multiple specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including a motor-driven articulation system that allows the distal end to rotate and articulate in multiple directions. The end effector can dynamically adjust its orientation and configuration to adapt to different surgical tasks, providing versatility through controlled movement rather than requiring multiple static instruments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent instrument exchanges are performed, then the appropriate instrument can be selected for each specific task, but tissue trauma increases and procedural efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surgical capabilities into a single instrument with an integrated end effector that can perform grasping, cutting, coagulation, suction, and irrigation. This eliminates the need to exchange instruments during surgery, thereby reducing the risk of tissue trauma from repeated insertion and removal while maintaining the ability to perform all necessary surgical tasks.
4Productivity
If a single multifunctional instrument is used, then instrument exchanges are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument integrates multiple surgical functions including mechanical grasping, electrosurgical cutting and coagulation, fluid delivery, and suction into a single unified device. The handle assembly and shaft structure accommodate all these functions through integrated mechanisms, allowing the surgeon to perform multiple operations with one tool and improve procedural efficiency by eliminating instrument exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with modular components including a handle assembly, shaft, and detachable end effector assembly. This segmentation allows the complex device to be manufactured and sterilized more effectively while maintaining its multifunctional capabilities. The end effector can be detached for sterilization or replacement, managing the complexity through modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly with a housing, a trigger movably coupled to the housing, a joystick movably coupled to the housing, a mode selection interface disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) disposed within the housing. An elongate shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. An end effector assembly is disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The MCU is operably coupled to the trigger, the joystick, and the mode selection interface, and is configured to receive input signals from the trigger, the joystick, and the mode selection interface, and to control operation of the surgical instrument based on the received input signals and a selected operative mode.