Microdebrider Tube Structure for Reduced Clogging and Tissue Draw-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microdebriders experience clogging issues due to tissue build-up at choke points, requiring manual intervention, and inefficient tissue removal due to distal tissue push during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A microdebrider design with a concentric inner and middle tube configuration, featuring a swaged middle tube and constant inner tube diameter, along with peak-to-peak tooth alignment to draw tissue proximally into the lumen, combined with a channel for fluid passage to enhance cutting and suction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional microdebrider design with variable inner tube diameter is used, then the device structure is simpler, but tissue build-up occurs at choke points causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is designed with a constant diameter along its length, changing the geometric parameter from variable to constant. This eliminates choke points where tissue could accumulate, directly addressing the clogging issue while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard tube fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into concentric tube components (outer tube, middle tube, inner tube) with distinct functions. The inner tube handles suction with constant diameter, the middle tube provides structural support, and the outer tube contains the cutting elements. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function
2Productivity
If conventional tooth alignment is used, then the cutting mechanism is simpler, but tissue is pushed distally during rotation reducing removal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting teeth on the inner tube are arranged in an asymmetric, offset pattern rather than a symmetric circular pattern. This asymmetric arrangement creates a scraping action that draws tissue proximally into the lumen during rotation, improving tissue removal efficiency without requiring complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of teeth that push tissue distally away from the lumen, the tooth geometry and arrangement are inverted to create a scraping action that pulls tissue proximally into the lumen. This reversal of the tissue interaction direction directly improves tissue removal efficiency
3Productivity
If manual intervention is required to clear clogs, then the device structure is simpler, but operational time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant diameter inner tube design enables the suction system to self-clear tissue debris without requiring manual intervention. The uniform bore prevents tissue accumulation, allowing the suction to continuously clear cut tissue automatically during operation, thereby maintaining high operational efficiency
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
Reduces clogging risks and enhances tissue removal efficiency by maintaining a constant inner diameter and directing tissue proximally into the suction path, facilitating smoother operation and reduced manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a swaged portion defined therein configured to increase the inside diameter of the middle tube proximate the area of operative engagement between the middle tube and the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the lumen is adapted to connect to a suction source
Implementation Method 3
The proximal-to-distal, peak-to-peak alignment of the series of teeth of the inner tube is angled away from the longitudinal axis to draw tissue proximally into the lumen
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for removing tissue includes a housing having an outer tube extending therefrom including an axis defined therealong. A middle tube is supported within the outer tube having an opening at a distal end with an edge. The middle tube includes a swage proximate the area of engagement between the middle and outer tubes. An inner tube is disposed within the middle tube and includes an opening having teeth at a distal end in registration with the opening in the middle tube, the inner tube rotates relative to the middle tube and the teeth, and the edge cooperate to cut tissue. A lumen is defined through the inner tube and extends from the opening to a suction source. The swage of the middle tube and the increased inner diameter associated therewith allows the inner tube to maintain a constant inner diameter along a length thereof, reducing choke points along the lumen.