Robotic Arm Interchangeable Tool Heads for Cardiac Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for cardiac ablation procedures are limited by the need for multiple dedicated tools and frequent tool exchanges during minimally invasive surgeries, which complicates procedures and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical instrument kit featuring a robotic arm with repositionable jaws and interchangeable tool heads, including bipolar electrodes, that can be coupled with various surgical tools such as linear cutters, cryosurgical probes, and clamps, allowing for flexible tool use and power delivery through a single robotic arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated surgical tools are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different surgical tool heads (ablation clamp, ablation pen, linear cutter, stapler, clip applicator, dissector). Each tool head can be selectively attached and detached from the same robotic arm, allowing one device to perform multiple surgical functions without requiring separate dedicated robotic systems for each tool type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated surgical tools are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent tool exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the surgical setup by allowing quick exchange of tool heads on the robotic arm. The standardized interface design facilitates rapid attachment and detachment of different surgical instruments, enabling the surgical team to adapt the system configuration dynamically based on procedural needs without significant operational disruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated surgical tools are used, then functional versatility is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent tool exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple surgical tool heads are prepared and staged in advance, with the robotic arm configured to quickly exchange between them. The standardized interface and pre-positioned tools allow for minimal interruption during tool changes, reducing the time penalty associated with switching between different surgical functions during the procedure.
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
Enables efficient and flexible use of multiple surgical tools within a single robotic arm, reducing the need for frequent tool exchanges and enhancing procedural efficiency during cardiac ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a robotic arm (10) including at least two bipolar electrodes (40) adapted to deliver electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument kit comprising: (a) a robotic arm comprising a first jaw including a first bipolar electrode and a second jaw including a second bipolar electrode, wherein at least one of first jaw and second jaw is repositionable with respect to the other jaw; (b) a first surgical tool head including a first electrical load in electrical communication with a first pair of electrical terminals, the first surgical tool head adapted to be removably coupled to the robotic arm; and, (c) a second surgical tool head including a second electrical load in electrical communication with a second pair of electrical terminals, the second surgical tool head adapted to be removably coupled to the robotic arm, where the first pair of electrical terminals of the first surgical tool head are adapted to engage the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to establish electrical communication between the first bipolar electrode and a first of the first pair of electrical terminals and between the second bipolar electrode and a second of the first pair of electrical terminals, and where the second pair of electrical terminals of the second surgical tool head are adapted to engage the first bipolar electrode and the second bipolar electrode to establish electrical communication between the first bipolar electrode and a first of the second pair of electrical terminals and between the second bipolar electrode and a second of the second pair of electrical terminals.