Modular Vessel Harvesting Handle for Surgical Tool Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic vessel harvesting systems require multiple single-function tools, making the procedure cumbersome and complicated due to the need for separate handles and manipulation in a limited space.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive vessel harvesting system with a modular design featuring a single ergonomic handle unit that integrates various surgical instruments, allowing for easy rotation, orientation, and manipulation of tools without rotating the entire handle, and enabling conversion between single-handle and two-handle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-function tools are used for vessel harvesting, then each tool can perform its specific function, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and complicated due to separate handles and manipulation in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-function tools (dissector, ligator, transector) into a single integrated multi-functional tool with a unified handle. The dissector component, ligator component, and transector component are merged into one device that can perform all vessel harvesting functions through a single handle, eliminating the need for multiple separate handles and reducing manipulation complexity in the limited surgical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple vessel harvesting operations. The single handle incorporates controls for dissection, ligation, and transection functions, allowing the surgeon to switch between different operational modes without changing tools or handles, thereby maintaining functional versatility while reducing system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate handles are used for each tool, then each tool can be independently controlled, but manipulation becomes difficult in the crowded proximal handle space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool control functions are merged into a single ergonomic handle design. The handle integrates controls for the dissector, ligator, and transector components, allowing independent control of each function while maintaining a unified manipulation interface. This eliminates the need for multiple separate handles and reduces the complexity of handle manipulation in the crowded proximal space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are inserted through the cannula, then each function is available, but the procedure time increases due to frequent tool exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tool provides all necessary vessel harvesting functions (dissection, ligation, transection) in a single device. The surgeon can perform all operations without exchanging tools or handles, as the single integrated tool contains all functional components. This eliminates time loss associated with frequent tool exchanges while maintaining full functional availability throughout the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel harvesting system that is suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The system includes a vessel harvesting tool with an elongated cannula and a plurality of surgical instruments therein for separating the target vessels from the surrounding tissue and side branches. The harvesting tool includes a modular handle unit with a base attached to the elongated cannula and a sled that can adapt the base to various types of vessel severing/securing tools, such as tissue welders, bipolar scissors, and bipolar bisectors. The handle unit may be relatively rigid and integrated with the various tool movement controls to facilitate one-handed operation by a user. A severing/securing tool rotation mechanism may be incorporated within the handle and operated by a thumbwheel or other such mechanism. The vessel harvesting system may also provide distal CO2 insufflation for enhanced maintenance of the operating cavity.