Non-Ratcheting Surgical Clip Applier With Automatic Clip Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical clip application devices require manual reloading of individual clips, leading to handling accidents, misloading, and inefficiencies in microsurgery procedures.
Innovation Solution
A non-ratcheting surgical clip applier that automatically loads and applies clips, allowing multiple vessels to be ligated efficiently with reduced handling errors and improved convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reloading of individual clips is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and handling accidents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clip applying device is divided into distinct functional modules: a magazine for storing multiple clips, a loading mechanism for automatic clip transfer, jaw closers for application, and a drive mechanism. This segmentation allows automatic reloading functionality to be added without overwhelming complexity, as each module performs a specific function and can be independently designed and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clips are pre-loaded into the magazine before the surgical procedure begins. The loading mechanism automatically transfers clips from the magazine to the jaw heads as needed, eliminating the need for manual reloading during surgery. This preliminary action of pre-loading and automated transfer directly addresses the productivity issue by ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If manual reloading is required, then ease of operation is reduced due to frequent reloading actions, but device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism integrates the magazine, clip transfer system, and jaw closer actuation into a unified mechanism driven by a single operator input. When the operator actuates the handles to close the jaws, the drive mechanism simultaneously transfers the next clip from the magazine to the jaw heads. This merging of functions allows automatic reloading without requiring separate controls or complex coordination, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs its own reloading operation automatically through the integrated drive mechanism. After a clip is applied, the mechanism self-activates to transfer the next clip from the magazine to the jaw heads without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the burden of frequent manual reloading actions, directly improving ease of operation during surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If ratcheting mechanism is used, then clip application reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases due to inability to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw closer mechanism is designed with dynamic, bidirectional movement capability rather than a fixed unidirectional ratchet. The jaw closer can be actuated forward to apply a clip and then reversed to open the jaws for repositioning. This dynamic design maintains reliability by ensuring consistent clip application when needed while providing the adaptability to open and reposition the jaws if the initial positioning is incorrect, allowing the surgeon to adjust as necessary during the procedure.
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 device provides efficient, safe, and convenient clip application with automatic reloading, reducing handling errors and improving surgical precision by allowing repositioning and reorientation during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism including a plurality of levers and at least one spring. The drive mechanism is configured to translate an actuation of the pair of handles to a non-ratcheting linear motion of the jaw closer and the clip loader assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A non-ratcheting surgical clip application device for applying and crimping surgical clips to ligate a vessel. The surgical clip applying device includes an enclosure formed from a top housing, a bottom housing and a window cover, a pair of handles including a left handle and a right handle each mounted for pivotal movement in the bottom housing, a main rail fixedly mounted to the bottom housing within the enclosure, a pair of clip applying jaws fixedly attached to the bottom housing and mounted through the main rail, a jaw closer comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate base, and a drive mechanism including a plurality of levers and at least one spring.