Offset End Effector Layout for Clearer Surgical Site Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments with ultrasonic functionality face challenges in efficiently articulating the end effector while maintaining clear visibility and minimizing interference with the actuation mechanism, particularly when incorporating both ultrasonic and electrosurgical modes.
Innovation Solution
The surgical system features an elongated assembly with an articulation joint and an offsetting member that supports an end effector, allowing the end effector to be offset relative to the central axis of the articulation joint, with an actuation cable aligned with the central axis of the lumen, and an ultrasonic transducer positioned distally to transmit ultrasonic mechanical motion to the blade, enabling clear visibility and interference-free actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the end effector is positioned on the central axis of the articulation joint, then the actuation cable alignment is simplified, but the visibility of the surgical site is reduced and interference with the actuation mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is positioned offset from the central axis of the articulation joint, creating an asymmetric configuration. This offset positioning improves surgical site visibility and reduces interference with the actuation mechanism, while the actuation cable is routed through the offsetting member to maintain proper connection despite the asymmetric arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If the end effector is offset from the central axis, then visibility and actuation efficiency are improved, but the structural complexity of the articulation joint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint is segmented into distinct functional components: a central axis portion for structural support and an offsetting member for positioning the end effector. This segmentation allows the joint to achieve both central axis stability and offset functionality, improving actuation efficiency while managing structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
An offsetting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the articulation joint and the end effector. This intermediary element enables the end effector to be positioned offset from the central axis, improving visibility and actuation efficiency, while the offsetting member itself manages the additional structural complexity by providing a dedicated mounting interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both ultrasonic and electrosurgical modes are incorporated, then functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and potential interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates both ultrasonic and electrosurgical functionalities within a single end effector assembly. The blade can operate in ultrasonic mode for tissue cutting and sealing, and in electrosurgical mode for additional cutting capabilities, providing functional versatility while sharing common structural components to manage device complexity.
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
This configuration enhances the visibility of the surgical site and maintains efficient actuation of the end effector, facilitating minimally invasive procedures by allowing the surgical instrument to be snaked through trocars and reducing interference with the actuation mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical instrument incorporating ultrasonic functionality may include, for example, an ultrasonic blade and a clamp mechanism to enable clamping of tissue against the blade. Ultrasonic energy transmitted to the blade causes the blade to vibrate at very high frequencies
Implementation Method 2
An actuation cable extends through the articulation joint. The actuation cable is operably coupled to the jaw member to pivot the jaw member with respect to the blade between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position
Implementation Method 3
The present disclosure relates to energy-based surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical instruments, systems, and methods incorporating an offset end effector. The surgical system includes an elongated assembly and an articulation joint defined in the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly articulates about the articulation joint
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes an elongated assembly and an articulation joint defined in the elongated assembly. The elongated assembly articulates about the articulation joint. The articulation joint defines a central axis and a distal side portion. An offsetting member extends from the distal side portion of the articulation joint. An end effector is supported by the offsetting member. The end effector includes a blade and a jaw member movable relative to the blade between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for clamping tissue. The offsetting member offsets the end effector with respect to the central axis of the articulation joint. An actuation cable extends through the central axis of the articulation joint. The actuation cable is operably coupled to the jaw member to pivot the jaw member with respect to the blade between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.