Probe Applicator Shaft Stabilizes Flexible Endoscopic Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments are limited in their ability to utilize flexible probes outside of endoscopic applications, particularly in laparoscopic and other surgical disciplines where rigid instruments are required.
Innovation Solution
A probe applicator with a stiff, elongated shaft and a flexible probe insertion system that allows for manual positioning and activation, featuring a bending device for angular adjustment and a connection system for operating medium supply, enabling the use of flexible probes in various surgical procedures without the need for separate rigid instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible probes are used in laparoscopic and surgical applications, then the probes can be manipulated with greater flexibility and comfort, but the probes lack sufficient rigidity to maintain stable positioning and transmit forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible probe portion for manipulation and a rigid shaft portion for structural support. The flexible probe can be inserted through the rigid shaft, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function - the flexible portion provides ease of manipulation while the rigid shaft provides structural stability and force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid shaft acts as an intermediary structure that supports the flexible probe. It provides the necessary rigidity and structural framework, while allowing the flexible probe to pass through and perform its manipulation functions. The shaft mediates between the need for flexibility and the need for rigidity in the overall system.
2Reliability
If separate rigid instruments are provided for each surgical application, then sufficient rigidity and stability are achieved, but the device complexity and number of instruments required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid shaft is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different flexible probes for various surgical applications. Instead of requiring separate rigid instruments for each procedure, a single rigid shaft can support different probes, reducing the total number of instruments needed while maintaining the necessary rigidity and stability for reliable positioning.
3Measurement precision
If the shaft is made significantly stiffer to stabilize the flexible probe, then positioning accuracy improves, but the shaft becomes more difficult to maneuver through access openings
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed with non-uniform properties along its length. The proximal portion (near the handle) has higher rigidity to provide stable positioning and control, while the distal portion (near the tip) has lower rigidity to facilitate maneuverability and navigation through access openings. This gradient in stiffness allows the shaft to be both maneuverable and positioning-accurate.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a probe applicator (10) is provided for receiving flexible probes (11) intended for endoscopic use, which are made accessible for laparoscopic use by means of the probe applicator. The device supplying the probes (11) is controlled by control elements (32, 33) of the probe applicator (10). Preferably, the probe (11) is supplied via a connection device (38) provided on the probe applicator (10).