Modular Laparoscopic Instruments with Segmented Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic surgical tools face limitations in reducing the size and number of incisions required, leading to challenges in triangulation and increased operative time due to the constraints of the belly button port, which results in more invasive procedures and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular surgical devices with detachable instruments that allow for a single needle-point puncture through the abdomen, utilizing a coaxial locking mechanism and ergonomic controls with visual and tactile indicators to facilitate easier handling and minimize the number of access sites, enabling standard laparoscopic techniques without leaving a visible scar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional laparoscopic tools are used through a single-port belly button access, then the number of incisions is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to loss of triangulation and instrument crowding
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into two separate shafts: a camera shaft and a tool shaft. This segmentation allows each shaft to be introduced independently through separate access sites, restoring triangulation capability while maintaining minimal invasiveness. The camera shaft provides visualization through one access point, while the tool shaft delivers surgical instruments through another access point, eliminating the crowding and loss of triangulation associated with single-port access.
2Ease of operation
If articulating toolheads are used to re-enable triangulation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex articulating joints in the toolhead, the system segments the instrument into separate camera and tool shafts. This eliminates the need for articulation mechanisms while restoring triangulation through spatial separation of access sites. The simplicity of the shaft design reduces device complexity and cost compared to articulating toolheads.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation function is extracted from the toolhead and replaced by separating the camera and tool components into independent shafts. This extraction eliminates the complex articulation mechanics while achieving the same functional outcome of improved triangulation and ease of operation through a simpler design.
3Area of stationary object
If a multi-channel port is placed in the belly button for single-port surgery, then the number of access sites is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to instrument dependency and crowded hands
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the access approach by using separate camera and tool shafts introduced through different access sites. This segmentation allows instruments to be manipulated independently without the constraints of a single multi-channel port, restoring hand dexterity and eliminating instrument dependency while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point access dimension to a multi-point spatial arrangement. By introducing the camera shaft and tool shaft through separate access sites, the system creates spatial separation that restores triangulation and eliminates the crowding effect of single-port access, improving ease of operation while maintaining minimal access site requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have a scope coupled to an introducer. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to the introducer and inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.