Multifunctional Pivoting End-Effector for Minimally Invasive Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgical procedures are inefficient due to the need for multiple single-function instruments, increasing procedure time, waste, and risking patient safety with instrument exchanges and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional medical device with a pivoting end-effector featuring blades with serrated edges and geometric features for tissue manipulation, allowing for cutting, grasping, and dissection, reducing the need for multiple instruments by integrating multiple functions into a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single-function instruments are used, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but procedure time increases and patient safety risks increase due to instrument exchanges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector is designed with multiple functional capabilities including cutting edges for severing tissue, grasping surfaces for holding tissue, and electrocautery electrodes for coagulation, all integrated into a single device that can perform multiple surgical functions without requiring instrument exchanges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single-function instruments are used, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but the number of instruments needed increases and waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector integrates cutting blades, grasping surfaces, and electrocautery electrodes into a single multi-functional device, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing surgical waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If instrument exchanges are performed during procedure, then different functions can be performed, but inaccuracies in placement and location of distal tip occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector maintains a fixed distal tip location while providing multiple functions through integrated cutting edges, grasping surfaces, and electrocautery electrodes, eliminating placement inaccuracies caused by repeated instrument exchanges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If disposable instruments are used, then sterilization and contamination risks are reduced, but waste increases when multiple devices are used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization reliabilityVSAvoidsurgical waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The end-effector is designed as a single disposable device that performs multiple functions including cutting, grasping, and electrocautery, maintaining sterilization reliability while minimizing waste by eliminating the need for multiple separate disposable instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10653436B2Medical device for cutting

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member is disclosed. The end-effector further includes a plurality of arms, which may pivot or move relative to one another. Further, each arm includes an inner edge defining a cutting edge, and an outer edge having at least one geometric feature for manipulating tissue.