Powered Tissue Removal Auger System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Kerrison devices used for tissue removal in surgeries, such as spinal surgery, suffer from poor ergonomics, leading to surgeon strain, fatigue, and inefficiency, requiring frequent device repositioning and manual tissue clearance, which can be distracting and increase risks, especially when operating near sensitive neural or vascular tissue.
Innovation Solution
A powered rotary tool actuates a cutting blade to sever tissue and drives an auger to transport severed tissue proximally through the device to an on-board collection chamber, reducing the need for device repositioning and minimizing user input force, while providing improved ergonomics and focus through a footplate, blade, and auger mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual Kerrison device is used for tissue removal, then the device structure is simple, but the surgeon experiences strain, fatigue, and discomfort due to poor ergonomics and high force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical squeezing action with a powered rotary drive system. The powered driver rotates a drive shaft that converts rotational motion into reciprocating blade motion through a rack and pinion mechanism, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually squeeze handles and reducing physical strain while maintaining the cutting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a powered driver as an intermediary device between the surgeon's control input and the tissue cutting action. The driver receives rotational input and transmits it through a drive shaft and gear mechanism to actuate the blade, serving as a mechanical mediator that transforms the input motion into the required reciprocating cutting motion while improving ergonomics.
2Productivity
If a manual Kerrison device is used, then the device can be easily manufactured, but it requires repeated removal from the surgical site for manual tissue clearance, reducing procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the blade cutting function, the auger tissue transport function, and the on-board collection chamber are merged into one device. The auger continuously transports cut tissue through an internal lumen to the collection chamber, eliminating the need for separate manual clearance steps and allowing the device to remain continuously engaged at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous tissue removal by keeping the device continuously engaged at the surgical site. The powered blade continuously cuts tissue while the auger simultaneously and continuously transports the cut tissue to the collection chamber, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If the surgical site is deep down a narrow cannula, then minimal invasive access is achieved, but it becomes difficult to re-locate the area where the device was being used before removal
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous engagement with the surgical site through the narrow cannula, eliminating the need for removal and re-insertion. The blade and auger operate continuously within the confined space, and the collection chamber accumulates tissue at the distal end, allowing the device to remain positioned without needing to be re-located after removal.
4Reliability
If the surgeon must repeatedly remove and re-insert the device for tissue clearance, then manual tissue removal is possible, but the surgeon's focus is continually shifted away from the surgical site, increasing risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting function and tissue collection function into a single integrated system. The auger and collection chamber are built into the device, allowing tissue to be captured immediately at the site of cutting without requiring removal for clearance, thereby maintaining surgical focus and improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically transporting and collecting its own waste tissue. The auger continuously moves cut tissue from the cutting site to the on-board collection chamber without requiring external intervention or removal of the device, allowing the surgeon to maintain focus on the surgical site.
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 solution reduces surgeon fatigue, improves ergonomics, and increases procedural efficiency by allowing continuous tissue removal without device repositioning, enhancing user focus and reducing risks associated with handling sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
an auger disposed in a lumen of the device and configured to transport tissue cut by the blade proximally through the lumen
Implementation Method 2
the blade is movable relative to the footplate between an open position in which a tissue opening is formed and a closed position in which the cutting surface contacts or approaches the footplate to cut tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for tissue removal are disclosed herein, including those in which a powered rotary tool actuates a cutting blade to sever tissue and drives an auger to transport the severed tissue proximally through the device. The severed tissue can be collected in an on-board collection chamber for subsequent use as graft material or otherwise (e.g., assay, analysis, post-processing, etc.). Devices of the type disclosed herein can reduce or eliminate the need to move the device in and out of the surgical site, reduce user input force, and provide improved ergonomics and increased user focus.