Pivoting Saw Mechanism for Keyhole Bone Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical cutting tools are not effective for keyhole surgery due to insufficient length and unsuitable blade design, which limits their ability to reach and cut bones in the thoracic cavity without damaging surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical cutting tool with an elongate member of at least 150 mm length, a rounded cross-section, and a pivoting saw mechanism that allows for angulation and rotation, enabling precise cutting of bones through small incisions during keyhole surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical saws with planar blades are used, then cutting capability is provided, but the blade sides disrupt and damage body tissue and are unsuitable for keyhole surgery insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member is given a rounded cross-section instead of a planar blade shape. This curved geometry eliminates sharp edges that would damage tissue, while the rounded form can be safely inserted through small keyhole incisions. The patent specifically describes the elongate member having a rounded cross-section to prevent tissue disruption during insertion and manipulation.
2Length of moving object
If existing long handled pliers are used for rib cutting, then cutting function is achieved, but maneuverability is reduced and restrictions on usage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The saw blade is made movable relative to the elongate member through a pivoting mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the blade to be angled and rotated to access bones from different directions and angles, significantly improving maneuverability compared to fixed-blade tools. The patent describes the blade being pivotable and rotatable to enable cutting approaches that were previously impossible with rigid long-handled instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The saw blade can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, adding a rotational degree of freedom. This dimensional change allows the cutting edge to be oriented in multiple directions, enabling the surgeon to approach bones from various angles and improve access to difficult-to-reach areas within the thoracic cavity.
3Power
If conventional sagittal saws are used, then cutting power is provided, but the length is insufficient for keyhole surgery and the blade form is unsuitable for small incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a long slender elongate member for insertion, a pivoting mechanism for positioning, and a saw blade for cutting. This segmentation allows the elongate member to be sufficiently long (at least 150mm insertion length) to reach deep into the thoracic cavity while keeping the cutting blade separate and maneuverable at the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is made movable relative to the elongate member through a pivoting mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the blade to be angled and rotated to access bones from different directions and angles, significantly improving maneuverability compared to fixed-blade tools. The patent describes the blade being pivotable and rotatable to enable cutting approaches that were previously impossible with rigid long-handled instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cutting tool for keyhole surgery comprises: a handle 2 at a proximal end of the tool; an elongate member 4 extending from the handle to a distal end of the tool; and a saw 6 at the distal end of the tool, the saw being supported by the elongate member 4. The elongate member 4 has a length allowing for insertion of the saw 6 into the body by a distance of at least 150 mm. The tool is arranged for insertion of the saw 6 into the body during keyhole surgery; and the saw 6 is able to cut bone when pressed against the bone.