Modular Surgical Cutter with Translating Anvil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments for cutting spinal fixation rods and plates require excessive force and lack precision due to their design, making them difficult to use effectively in surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical cutting instrument with a translating anvil and rotating inner sleeve, featuring a hooked distal tip and pivotable capture arm, allows for controlled cutting of implants using user-powered or powered actuation, providing precision and versatility in cutting various sizes and types of surgical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rod cutters with long handles are used to achieve mechanical advantage, then cutting capability is improved, but the device requires a large amount of force and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical leverage system (long handles) with a powered actuation system using a motor and drive mechanism. The motor provides the necessary cutting force through a drive shaft and drive member, eliminating the need for long handles and manual force application. This substitution maintains cutting capability while improving precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual force application to powered actuation. The motor-controlled system allows for regulated force application and precise control of the cutting action, replacing the uncontrolled high-force manual operation of conventional cutters. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both sufficient cutting force and precise control.
2Power
If high amount of energy is applied by user in uncontrolled manner, then cutting action is achieved, but the application becomes uncontrolled and undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The powered actuation system incorporates control mechanisms that regulate the application of cutting power. The motor-controlled drive system allows for regulated force application, preventing uncontrolled energy release. This feedback control ensures that sufficient power is applied for cutting while maintaining control over the cutting action.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual force application with a powered actuation system, the patent eliminates the uncontrolled energy application inherent in manual operation. The motor provides controlled power delivery through a regulated drive mechanism, ensuring that cutting power is applied in a controlled manner rather than through uncontrolled manual force.
3Strength
If conventional shearing action with opposed moving dies is used, then cutting of hard materials is achieved, but the device requires long handles and large force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical leverage system with long handles with a compact powered actuation system. The motor and drive mechanism provide the necessary force to cut hard surgical implants without requiring long handles or complex mechanical advantage systems. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to cut hard materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from manual force application through long handles to powered actuation. The motor provides sufficient cutting power for hard materials without requiring the mechanical advantage of long handles. This parameter change simplifies the device structure while maintaining cutting capability for hard surgical implants.
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 instrument enables controlled and ergonomic cutting of surgical components with reduced force requirement and improved precision, facilitating efficient use in both in situ and ex situ surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an anvil disposed in the lumen of the outer sleeve distal to the inner sleeve, the anvil being configured to translate without rotating relative to the outer sleeve to cut the implant
Implementation Method 2
The inner sleeve can be configured to rotate relative to the outer sleeve and the anvil can be configured to translate without rotating relative to the outer sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical instruments for cutting surgical components either in situ or ex situ are disclosed. The surgical instruments can include a translating anvil that can be driven relative to an outer sleeve by a rotating an inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve can be separable into a distal tip and a proximal base tube that can be modularly coupled to one another and selectively locked against separation. A distal portion of the outer sleeve can include a hooked shape with an opening to receive a rod or other component therein that can be selectively closed by a pivoting capture arm. Actuation of the instrument can occur by manual user power or by powered instrument, such as a driver. The outer sleeve can interface with additional instruments or components, such as a counter-torque handle, to prevent rotation thereof during actuation of the inner sleeve relative thereto.