Needlescopic Instrument System with Interchangeable Laparoscopic Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needlescopic surgery is limited by the small size of instrument heads, which restricts functionality and requires multiple incisions and trocars, hindering minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing interchangeable laparoscopic heads to be attached to small diameter needlescopic instrument shafts via a hollow sleeve with symmetric perforations, enabling direct visualization and attachment within the body cavity without additional trocars, using mechanisms like plungers, spring actuated hinges, or magnetic holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If small diameter needlescopic instrument shafts are used, then incision size is reduced and surgical trauma is minimized, but instrument head functionality is restricted and multiple incisions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument system is divided into separate components: a small diameter needlescopic shaft and interchangeable laparoscopic heads. The shaft contains a hollow sleeve with symmetric perforations that allows the head to be detached and replaced within the body cavity, enabling functionality changes without requiring additional incisions
Solution Approach 2:
A single needlescopic shaft is designed to accommodate multiple different laparoscopic heads through the hollow sleeve mechanism. This universal interface allows one shaft to perform multiple surgical functions by simply changing the attached head, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments and incisions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trocars are used to provide functionality, then instrument versatility is improved, but surgical trauma and recovery time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static configuration where each trocar provides fixed functionality to a dynamic system where the instrument head can be changed during the procedure. The hollow sleeve with symmetric perforations enables real-time head replacement, allowing versatility to be adjusted dynamically without additional incisions
Solution Approach 2:
The laparoscopic head is effectively nested within the hollow sleeve during the attachment process. The symmetric perforations allow the head to be positioned and secured inside the sleeve structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that enters through a single incision
3Measurement precision
If direct visualization is maintained during head attachment, then attachment precision is improved, but additional trocars would be required
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow sleeve acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates head attachment while maintaining visualization. The symmetric perforations in the sleeve allow the laparoscope to pass through and provide direct visual guidance during the head attachment process, eliminating the need for separate visualization trocars
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices and methods for use in minimally invasive procedures whereby at least one, and preferably a plurality of laparoscopic instrument heads can be delivered through a single trocar and made accessible for attachment within a body cavity to the distal end of a needlescopic instrument under direct visualization via a laparoscope. The system and procedure will produce less scarring, less pain, and a reduced risk of infection at the surgical site. An addition benefit is that, because only 1 trocar is used instead of 3-5 trocars, there is a significant cost saving in each case and the surgeon is freer to move instrument locations and add/remove instruments since a new trocar does not need to be inserted every time.