Rotatable Endoscopic Instrument Single-Handed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for endoscopy and laparoscopy are complex and expensive due to additional structural requirements for rotational systems, making them difficult to use single-handedly and occupying the user's hands, which complicates manipulation during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscopic instrument with a proximal handle assembly, a flexible tubular member, and a control member that allows for both actuation and rotation of the end effector assembly using a single hand, featuring a constrained curved path and a rotatable input, enabling precise and efficient manipulation within a retroflexed endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotational system is added to enable orientation of the end effector assembly, then the orientation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and cost increases making it suitable for single use disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The control member serves dual functions: it acts as both the actuator for opening/closing the end effector assembly and as the rotational element for orienting the end effector assembly. By integrating these two functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for separate rotational mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity and cost while maintaining full orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuation function and rotation function into a single integrated system. The control member is mechanically coupled to both the end effector assembly for actuation and rotated within a constrained curved path to enable rotation. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure, making the instrument suitable for single-use disposal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate handles are provided for actuation and rotation, then the rotational control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as both hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation handle and rotation handle into a single integrated handle assembly. The control member is accessible from the same handle, allowing the user to perform both actuation (opening/closing) and rotation operations with one hand. This integration maintains precise rotational control while enabling single-handed operation, which is critical for endoscopic procedures where the other hand may be needed for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handle assembly provides multi-functional control: it enables both the actuation of the end effector assembly and the rotation of the end effector assembly through the control member. This universal control mechanism allows one hand to perform multiple operations, improving ease of operation while maintaining full functional control.
3Measurement precision
If a constrained curved path is used to guide the control member, then the rotation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constrained curved path is formed as a flexible structural feature within the handle assembly, allowing the control member to rotate along a precise curved trajectory. This flexible path constraint provides accurate rotational control while maintaining the overall flexibility and simplicity of the instrument, avoiding the need for rigid mechanical guides or complex bearing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic includes a handle, a tubular member, a control member, and an end effector assembly. The handle has a stationary member and a movable member. The movable member includes a constrained curved path for passage of the control member. The tubular member has an end coupled to the stationary member and a distal end rotatably coupled to the end effector assembly. The control member extends through the curved path, the tubular member, and is coupled to the end effector assembly. A knob is attached to the movable member and control member. Displacement of the movable member relative to the stationary member causes actuation of the end effector assembly, and rotation of the knob on the movable member causes the control member to rotate within both the constrained curved path and the tubular member, and results in rotation of the end effector assembly.