Modular Surgical Capture with Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing surgical cutting blocks require multiple devices for different procedures, leading to increased complexity, inventory costs, and sterilization challenges due to the need for both open-face and slotted blocks, which doubles the inventory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular capture apparatus that attaches to an open-face cutting block, converting it into a slotted guide, using a detachable capture with a biased catch for secure coupling, allowing for either open-face or slotted guide usage, reducing the need for multiple blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting blocks (open-face and slotted) are maintained in inventory to accommodate different surgical procedures and surgeon preferences, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity, inventory costs, and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting block is designed with a universal interface that can accept both open-face and slotted guides through a detachable capture mechanism. This allows a single cutting block to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated blocks, thereby improving versatility while reducing inventory complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components: a base cutting block and detachable guides (open-face and slotted). This segmentation allows the guides to be interchangeable based on surgical needs, enabling one cutting block to serve multiple purposes without requiring multiple complete block assemblies in inventory
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting blocks are maintained in inventory to meet institutional needs, then adaptability is improved, but sterilization procedures and storage requirements double
Solution Approach 1:
By making the cutting block universal with interchangeable guides, the institution needs to sterilize and store only one cutting block rather than multiple dedicated blocks. This reduces the total sterilization time and storage requirements while maintaining the ability to perform both open-face and slotted guide procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable capture with biased catch is used to convert open-face block to slotted guide, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biased catch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the detachable capture to the cutting block without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures. The bias provides automatic retention while allowing easy release when needed, making the system self-servicing and minimizing the operational complexity despite the added versatility
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
The solution provides a versatile cutting guide that reduces inventory needs, simplifies sterilization, and lowers costs by allowing a single device to function as both open-face and slotted guides, enhancing precision and ease of use during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The capture includes a biased catch having a biasing force such as a magnetized catch for magnetically securing the cutting block and capture together
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable cutting tool capture for a cutting block provides a guide surface to convert an open surface block into a slotted block for plying a surgical cutting tool along the surfaces of the guide during a surgical procedure such as a bone resection with a blade. A magnetized catch provides a convenient device for securing the capture and the block together. A triangular cam on the detachable capture in conjunction with a “v” groove in a magnetized lever of the catch permits a pin of the catch to be selectively retracted from or extended into an aperture of the block when the lever is rotated so that when the pin extends, it serves to secure the combined apparatus for cutting. Mating surfaces of the block and capture provide additional structure for supporting the capture with the block to secure them from relative movement.