Multi-Functional Tissue Dissector for Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive surgical techniques require surgeons to switch between different instruments for sharp dissection, blunt dissection, electrosurgical cutting, and coagulation, which can prolong procedures and increase complexity.

Innovation Solution

Development of cannula-delivered and non-cannula-delivered tissue dissectors that integrate multiple functions, such as electrosurgical lysing devices with beads and lysing members, allowing for simultaneous sharp dissection, blunt dissection, electrosurgical cutting, and coagulation without instrument switching, using a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for sharp dissection, blunt dissection, electrosurgical cutting, and coagulation, then each specific function can be performed with specialized tools, but the procedure time increases and operational complexity increases due to instrument switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sharp dissection elements (scalpel blade), blunt dissection elements (dissector tip), electrosurgical cutting elements (electrode), and coagulation elements into a single multi-functional instrument. This merging allows all four functions to be performed with one tool, eliminating the need to switch between separate instruments and thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed with multiple functional elements that can be activated selectively to perform different surgical tasks. The single instrument provides universal capability for sharp dissection, blunt dissection, electrosurgical cutting, and coagulation, allowing the surgeon to adapt the tool to various surgical needs without changing instruments, thus reducing time loss while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for different tissue manipulation tasks, then each task can be performed with optimized specialized tools, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to manage and switch between multiple instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple functional elements into a single integrated instrument, the patent reduces the number of separate devices the surgeon must manage. Although the instrument itself contains multiple functions, this consolidation simplifies the overall surgical workflow by eliminating the need to handle, sterilize, and switch between multiple separate instruments, thereby reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate instruments are used for different tissue manipulation tasks, then each specific function can be performed with specialized tools, but ease of operation worsens due to frequent instrument switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidoperational ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-functional instrument allows the surgeon to perform all tissue manipulation tasks with a single tool. The instrument incorporates selectable functions for sharp dissection, blunt dissection, electrosurgical cutting, and coagulation, enabling the surgeon to adapt the tool to different surgical needs without leaving the current instrument, thereby significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining functional versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables more efficient and streamlined minimally invasive surgeries by allowing surgeons to perform multiple tissue manipulation tasks with a single instrument, reducing procedure time and enhancing precision.

Implementation Method 1

at least one lysing member configured to deliver electrosurgical energy from the lysing tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrosurgical energy: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11510730B2Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive dissection and modification of tissues

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 WEBER PAUL JOSEPH

AI summary

An electrosurgical lysing device and related methods. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a lysing tip comprising one or more beads. The bead(s) may comprise an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and may define, at least in part, both a distally-facing and a proximally-facing recess. At least one electrically conductive lysing member configured to deliver electrosurgical energy may be positioned adjacent to the at least one bead, the at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess at least partially defined by the at least one bead.