Retro-cutting Instrument with Adjustable Blade Limit
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retro-cutting instruments are limited in that they can only drill tunnels of a single diameter, requiring multiple instruments for different diameters, and have a combined forward and retrograde cutting tip structure that compromises cutting performance and increases the risk of tip damage.
Innovation Solution
A cutting instrument with an adjustable retrograde cutting blade that can be set to various diameters, distinct from the forward drilling tip, and protected within a cavity, providing visual and tactile feedback for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single retro-cutting instrument is used to drill tunnels of multiple diameters, then instrument inventory and sterilization costs are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retro-cutting instrument is designed with an adjustable retrograde cutting blade that can be positioned at multiple discrete diameters, allowing a single instrument to perform the function of multiple fixed-diameter instruments. The blade can be adjusted to different positions using an actuation mechanism, enabling the same instrument to create tunnels of various diameters (e.g., 6mm, 8mm, 10mm) without requiring separate instruments for each diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrograde cutting blade is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be adjusted to different positions during or between procedures. The actuation mechanism enables dynamic repositioning of the blade along the instrument shaft, transforming a static single-diameter instrument into a dynamic multi-diameter instrument while maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the forward cutting tip and retrograde cutting tip are combined in one structure, then the instrument structure is simplified, but the cutting performance is compromised and the risk of tip damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a forward cutting tip optimized for antegrade drilling and a separate retrograde cutting blade optimized for retrograde cutting. Each cutting element is independently designed and positioned, allowing both to be optimized for their specific functions without compromising the other. The retrograde blade can be retracted into a cavity when not in use, protecting it from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrograde cutting blade is extracted from a fixed integrated structure and made independently movable within the instrument shaft. This allows the retrograde blade to be separated from the forward cutting tip structurally while remaining part of the same instrument, enabling independent optimization of each cutting element and reducing the risk of damage to either component.
3Reliability
If multiple instruments with different diameters are used, then cutting performance for each diameter is optimized, but instrument inventory costs and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate instruments for each tunnel diameter, the invention provides a universal retro-cutting instrument with an adjustable retrograde cutting blade that can accommodate multiple diameters. The blade can be positioned at predetermined discrete locations corresponding to different tunnel sizes, allowing one instrument to replace multiple fixed-diameter instruments while maintaining optimized cutting performance for each diameter.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the retrograde cutting blade is made movable and adjustable, then versatility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retrograde cutting blade is pre-positioned at multiple discrete locations along the instrument shaft, corresponding to common tunnel diameters. These predetermined positions are established during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during surgery. The surgeon simply activates the appropriate pre-set position rather than making continuous adjustments, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates visual indicators or tactile feedback mechanisms that confirm when the retrograde cutting blade has been properly positioned at the correct diameter setting. This feedback system guides the operator in setting the blade to the appropriate position, reducing the complexity of operation while maintaining the ability to adjust for different diameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Cutting instruments and related methods are disclosed herein in which the diameter of the retrograde cutting blade can be adjusted to any of a plurality of diameter settings, allowing the same instrument to be used to form holes of different diameters. The limit diameter can be preset such that, during the cutting operation, the user need not be concerned with selecting the appropriate diameter, but rather can simply deploy the cutting blade until the preset limit is reached. Cutting instruments are also disclosed in which the retrograde cutting blade is distinct from the forward drilling tip and protected within a cavity formed in the body of the instrument when not in use, as are instruments in which the user is given visual and/or tactile feedback to confirm desired positioning of the cutting blade.