Modular Surgical Handle Arrangement for Multi-Function End Effectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing multiple functions such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing due to limited articulation and rotation capabilities, and often require manual dexterity that can be tiring and prone to error.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument system with a modular design featuring a handle and shaft assemblies that include a drive module with a motor and gear system, allowing for rotary drive and articulation of end effectors, and incorporating sensors and control systems for precise motor control and automatic function actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If surgical instruments are designed with basic mechanical structures for grasping and manipulating tissue, then the instruments are simple to manufacture and understand, but they lack versatility in performing multiple surgical functions such as dissecting, clipping, and suturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility in performing multiple surgical functionsVSAvoidcomplexity of instrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument incorporates a universal handle assembly that can selectively receive and operate with multiple different shaft assemblies, each designed for specific functions such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, or suturing. This allows a single handle to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the attached shaft assembly, achieving versatility without requiring each function to be a separate complex instrument

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is divided into modular components: a handle assembly and multiple interchangeable shaft assemblies. Each shaft assembly can be detached and replaced depending on the surgical task required. This segmentation allows the system to be versatile (can perform multiple functions) while keeping individual components relatively simple and easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If surgical instruments require manual dexterity for precise manipulation, then the instruments are simple in design, but the operator experiences fatigue and increased error rate during procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduced operator fatigueVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an electric motor-driven system. The motor assembly, controlled by a controller, automatically actuates the end effector to perform opening, closing, and other manipulative functions. This substitution reduces operator fatigue and improves precision by eliminating the need for continuous manual dexterity while maintaining full control over the surgical instrument's actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical instrument incorporates self-servicing features where the motor-driven system automatically performs manipulation tasks without requiring continuous manual intervention. The controller manages the motor assembly to autonomously execute precise movements of the end effector, reducing the operator's physical effort and maintaining consistent performance throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If surgical instruments lack articulation and rotation capabilities, then the instruments are simple to operate, but they cannot perform precise surgical tasks in complex anatomical configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of surgical task executionVSAvoiddifficulty of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is designed with dynamic capabilities including articulation and rotation, allowing it to adapt its orientation and position to match complex anatomical configurations. The motor assembly can control the end effector to articulate at joints and rotate to achieve precise positioning, enabling the instrument to perform accurate surgical tasks in difficult-to-reach areas while the controller manages these complex movements automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the ability to perform various surgical tasks with greater precision and reduced operator fatigue by enabling controlled articulation and rotation of end effectors, improving the efficiency and consistency of surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a drive module with a motor and gear system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11759224B2Surgical instrument systems comprising handle arrangements

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument system comprising a first motor, a second motor, and a third motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises a first handle comprising a first number of controls, a second handle comprising a second number of controls, and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is attachable to the first handle in a first orientation in order to engage one of the motors. The shaft assembly is attachable to the second handle in a second orientation to engage a different motor. The surgical instrument system is configured to perform a different function of an end effector in the first orientation and the second orientation.