Modular Surgical Dissector End Effector for Precise Tissue Manipulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing various tissue manipulation tasks, such as grasping, dissecting, and suturing, due to limitations in end effector movement and power control, which complicates surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies that include a rotary drive mechanism, articulation joints, and interchangeable end effectors, allowing for selective activation of multiple functions through a motor and gear system, and integrated sensors for precise control and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current surgical instruments are used, then the structure is simple, but the versatility in performing various tissue manipulation tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates a multi-functional end effector that can perform grasping, dissecting, and suturing operations through a single device. The end effector includes a jaw assembly with movable and stationary jaws that can execute multiple tissue manipulation functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate surgical instruments and thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and interchangeable end effectors. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be distributed across separate modules that can be independently controlled and maintained, managing device complexity while enabling versatile tissue manipulation capabilities through different end effector configurations
2Measurement precision
If manual tissue manipulation is used, then the device is simple, but the precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates sensors that detect the position, force, and movement of the end effector during tissue manipulation. This feedback is transmitted to the control system, which adjusts motor commands in real-time to achieve precise and controlled tissue manipulation. The feedback mechanism enables high precision while managing complexity through automated control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated motor-driven system. Electric motors control the movement of the end effector's jaws with high precision, substituting human manual control with an automated electromechanical system that provides superior precision and control while reducing the complexity of manual dexterity requirements
3Productivity
If multiple surgical instruments are used for different tasks, then each instrument can be specialized, but the procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument integrates multiple tissue manipulation functions including grasping, dissecting, and suturing capabilities within a single end effector assembly. This multi-functionality allows the surgical team to use one instrument for multiple tasks, improving procedural efficiency by reducing the number of instrument changes and simplifying the overall surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions that would traditionally require separate instruments into a single integrated device. The end effector merges grasping mechanisms, dissecting elements, and suturing capabilities into one unified assembly, thereby improving productivity by reducing the total number of instruments needed while managing complexity through integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.