Modular Tunneler Instrument with Removable Clamp and Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tunneler instruments and methods for placing vascular grafts lack flexibility and efficiency in creating channels under the skin for conduit placement, as they often require complex procedures and may not accommodate various graft sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tunneler instrument with a modular design featuring a removably coupled clamp and tip, which can be configured with threaded joints and a sheath for secure attachment, allowing for customizable assembly with different diameters and components for one-time or multiple-use configurations, facilitating efficient vascular graft placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tunneler instruments are used for vascular graft placement, then the procedure can be completed, but the instrument lacks flexibility and cannot accommodate various graft sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tunneler instrument is divided into separate modular components including a shaft, clamp, and tip that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation allows different sized tips to be matched with appropriate clamps and shafts to accommodate various graft sizes while maintaining a standardized base design that limits overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized shaft and clamp components serve multiple functions across different graft sizes. The shaft provides consistent structural support and handling characteristics, while the clamp offers universal clamping mechanisms that can secure various tip sizes, reducing the need for completely different instrument designs for each graft diameter.
2Productivity
If complex tunneler procedures are used for graft placement, then grafts can be placed, but the procedure lacks efficiency and requires complex steps
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp and tip are combined into a pre-assembled unit that attaches to the shaft in a single straightforward operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment steps for each component, streamlining the procedure while maintaining the modular benefits for accommodating different graft sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-configured with the appropriate tip size selected and attached before the instrument is introduced to the patient. This preliminary assembly simplifies the procedural steps during surgery, as the clinician only needs to attach the pre-configured unit to the shaft rather than assembling multiple components during the procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-modular tunneler instruments are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is manufactured as separate standardized components (shaft, clamp, tips) that can be produced independently using standardized manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining ease of manufacture through repetition of standardized designs, and the components are then assembled to provide customizable configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument and method for placement of vascular grafts. Embodiments of the instrument comprise an elongated shaft, a clamp and a tip. The shaft includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and optionally a handle at the proximal end portion. The clamp and/or the shaft are configured to removably couple the clamp to the distal end portion of the shaft. The tip and/or the instrument are configured to removably couple the tip to the instrument. In embodiments the tip covers the clamp.