Multifunctional Surgical Instrument with Integrated Suction and Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery tools require multiple instruments for dissection, irrigation, and suction, leading to increased incisions, complications, and longer recovery times due to limited functionality and size of existing dissectors.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional surgical instrument with a large head capable of suction, irrigation, blunt dissection, and electrocautery, designed for percutaneous insertion without a trocar, featuring a combination of materials for various tasks and a detachable instrument head with a cauterizing tip for tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for dissection, irrigation, and suction, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but the number of incisions and trocars increases, leading to more complications and longer recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (dissection, irrigation, suction, and electrocautery) into a single integrated instrument. The instrument head includes a dissector body for blunt dissection, an irrigation lumen for fluid delivery, a suction channel for debris removal, and a cauterizing tip for tissue sealing, all integrated into one device that can be inserted through a single trocar.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed as a universal surgical tool that can perform multiple functions: blunt dissection using the dissector body, irrigation through the irrigation lumen, suction via the suction channel, and electrocautery using the cauterizing tip. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments and reduces the number of required incisions.
2Length of moving object
If existing dissectors with small heads are used, then they can be inserted through standard trocars, but they absorb very small amounts of fluid and lack the functionality of irrigation and suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dissector head with integrated fluid management systems. The irrigation lumen delivers fluid directly at the dissection site through the dissector body, while the suction channel removes fluids and debris simultaneously. This combination allows a larger dissector head to be used without requiring separate irrigation and suction instruments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate irrigator and aspirator instruments are used, then irrigation and suction functions are provided, but each instrument occupies a trocar, reducing the surgeon's ability to insert other instruments and potentially requiring additional incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the irrigation and suction functions into a single instrument by integrating an irrigation lumen and a suction channel within the same instrument shaft and head. This allows both fluid delivery and removal capabilities to be achieved through one trocar insertion, freeing up other trocars for additional surgical instruments.
4Speed
If sharp dissection is used to gain access to tissues, then access is obtained quickly, but bleeding occurs which requires additional procedures, increases complications, and extends recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of bleeding during sharp dissection into a beneficial outcome by using blunt dissection to separate tissue planes without cutting blood vessels, followed by electrocautery through the cauterizing tip to seal any minor bleeding that does occur. This approach transforms the potential harm of tissue trauma into controlled, minimal bleeding that is immediately managed by the integrated cauterization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting action of sharp dissection with blunt mechanical separation followed by thermal energy application. Instead of using a sharp blade that cuts through tissue and vessels, the dissector body uses blunt pressure to separate tissue planes, and the cauterizing tip uses electrical current to generate heat for sealing, substituting mechanical cutting with a combination of mechanical pressure and thermal energy.
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 instrument reduces the need for multiple tools, minimizes incisions, enhances tissue manipulation, and improves recovery times by integrating suction, irrigation, and electrocautery functions in a single device, allowing for efficient and precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a second conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
the instrument shaft is configured for percutaneous insertion without use of a trocar
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an instrument shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an interior passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a first conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to an irrigation source, and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the instrument shaft and being configured for selective connection to a vacuum source, wherein the instrument shaft is configured for percutaneous insertion without use of a trocar.