Multi-Arm Surgical Apparatus with Expandable Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgery systems for soft tissues, such as brain tissue, face inefficiencies due to miniaturized instruments, limited independent functionality of components, and potential tissue damage from tube movement, necessitating a more invasive approach with additional navigation tools.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising movable arm members with expandable blades and an elastic sleeve forms a tunnel for instrument deployment, allowing for reduced incision size, independent component operation, and integrated navigation and lighting, while minimizing tissue damage and providing enhanced visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tube system with inbuilt channels is used for endoscopic surgery, then the surgery can be performed through a single access point, but the working instruments become miniaturized which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the single tube system into multiple separate arms (first arm member and second arm member) that can be introduced independently through separate incisions. Each arm can carry appropriately sized instruments without the constraints of a shared miniaturized tube, thereby restoring operational efficiency while maintaining the benefit of controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional single-tube approach to a two-dimensional multi-arm configuration. The arms can be positioned at different angles and orientations, allowing instruments of various sizes to operate independently in three-dimensional space around the surgical site, eliminating the miniaturization constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (camera, light source, working instruments) are introduced through a single tube, then access is simplified, but each component's functionality is limited and cannot act independently
Solution Approach 1:
The single tube system is segmented into multiple independent arms, each capable of carrying and supporting its own components (camera, light source, working instruments). This allows each component to function independently without being constrained by the limited space and shared resources of a single tube, thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each arm is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of components and instruments. The arms can be configured to carry different combinations of cameras, light sources, and surgical instruments, providing multi-functionality and adaptability for different surgical requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the entire tube is moved during surgery in delicate soft tissue, then instrument repositioning is achieved, but additional damage is inflicted on the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The single tube is divided into multiple separate arms that can be repositioned independently. This allows selective movement of only the specific arm or arms needed for repositioning, rather than moving the entire tube system. The independent repositioning capability reduces the disturbance to surrounding delicate soft tissue while achieving the necessary instrument repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The arms are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be moved and adjusted independently during surgery. This dynamic repositioning of individual arms provides flexibility and control, enabling precise instrument placement without the need to move the entire apparatus, thereby minimizing tissue damage.
4Speed
If a larger channel is created for surgery, then access and visualization are improved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a single large channel, the invention uses multiple separate arms that each require smaller individual incisions. The segmented approach allows surgical access and visualization through multiple small ports rather than one large opening, thereby improving access efficiency while minimizing the total tissue trauma compared to a single large channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention distributes the surgical access across multiple dimensions by using several arms entering at different locations and angles. This multi-dimensional approach provides comprehensive access and visualization without requiring a single large incision, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining surgical efficiency.
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 apparatus enables more efficient and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery with improved access and protection of delicate tissues, allowing larger instruments to operate independently and reducing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
An expandable cannula for surgery having longitudinal wires circumferentially surrounded by an elastic sheath. The longitudinal wires are expandable radially outwardly upon insertion of a dilator and retract its original size upon removal of the dilator caused by the contract of the elastic sheath.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for surgery includes a first arm member and a second arm member movable in relation to one another in a same plane through a pivoted portion, in an open and closed position, that is controlled by a pair of handles; at least one through hole is made onto one of the arm members; and a first blade and a second blade, each defined by a tip, a body and a base, perpendicularly extended in parallel from the first and second arm members respectively; wherein both blades have a substantially flat portion started from the tip to the body followed by an expanded portion around the base attached on the arm members that the expanded portion defines a groove therein enclosing the through hole in the closed position.