Modular Endoscopic Device with Rotating Cartridge for Interchangeable End Effectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive surgical procedures require multiple tools with different end effectors, increasing procedure time and cost due to the need for individual tool insertion, manipulation, and removal.

Innovation Solution

A modular endoscopic surgical device with a cartridge containing multiple end effectors and an instrument shaft that allows for selective interchange and actuation of end effectors within the body, eliminating the need to remove the device to change tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tools are used for different end effectors, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the procedure time increases and the number of insertions/removals required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple end effectors are integrated into a single surgical tool body, allowing different functional elements (cutting, grasping, coagulation) to be combined in one instrument that can be inserted once and have its functions switched remotely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical tool is designed with universal capability to perform multiple surgical functions through interchangeable end effectors, where a single tool can be configured for different procedures by remotely exchanging the end effector components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tools are used for different end effectors, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost of the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows individual end effector components to be discarded or replaced independently while retaining the main tool body, enabling cost-effective replacement of only the consumable end effector parts rather than entire surgical instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate surgical tools are used for different end effectors, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the complexity of the procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical tool incorporates self-contained mechanisms for automatically indexing and positioning end effectors, with the tool itself performing the alignment and engagement operations without requiring complex external manipulation or repositioning by the surgeon

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of time

If end effectors are interchanged within the body, then procedure time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

End effectors are nested within a cartridge or magazine structure that is integrated into the tool body, allowing multiple end effectors to be stored in a compact arrangement and enabling sequential access through a unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A cartridge or magazine mechanism serves as an intermediary between the surgeon's control and the end effectors, automating the complex operations of indexing, aligning, and exchanging end effectors through a simple external actuation interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8088062B2Interchangeable endoscopic end effectors

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively interchange various surgical end effectors within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the device from the patient's body. In one embodiment, a modular device is provided having an insertion device and a cartridge containing a plurality of end effectors coupled to or formed on the insertion device. The cartridge can be configured to move between various positions to allow an instrument shaft to be selectively mated to one of the various end effectors contained within the cartridge. For example, the cartridge can be moved to a desired position, and an instrument shaft can be advanced into a chamber in the cartridge to engage and remove an end effector from the cartridge, thus allowing the end effector to be used to perform a surgical procedure. Once complete, the instrument shaft can be retracted relative to the cartridge to return the end effector into its original chamber in the cartridge. The cartridge can then be repositioned to allow the shaft to engage and utilize another end effector.