Rotatable Optical Cannula for Arthroscopy Portal Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arthroscopic systems require multiple portals for visualization and instrumentation, leading to increased surgical complexity, tissue trauma, and limited ergonomic efficiency for surgeons.

Innovation Solution

An improved orthopedic arthroscopy system that reduces the number of necessary arthroscopic portals by using a rotatable, optical cannula through which instruments can be manipulated, allowing for improved visualization and instrumentation capabilities within the joint space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple portals are used for visualization and instrumentation, then surgical capability is improved, but surgical complexity and tissue trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical capabilityVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the endoscope and instrumentation functions into a single portal by using a rotatable optical cannula that allows both visualization and instrument manipulation through one access point, eliminating the need for separate portals and reducing surgical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical cannula serves multiple functions including visualization, instrument guidance, and rotational adjustment, allowing a single device to perform what traditionally required multiple separate portals and instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple portals are created, then instrumentation capability is improved, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrumentation capabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging visualization and instrumentation through a single rotatable optical cannula, the patent reduces the number of portal incisions required, thereby minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining full instrumentation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If conventional endoscope is used, then visualization is achieved, but wrist rotation is required increasing surgeon fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisualizationVSAvoidergonomic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical cannula incorporates a rotatable mechanism that dynamically adjusts the viewing angle and instrument orientation, allowing the surgeon to rotate the cannula itself rather than twisting the wrist, thereby improving ergonomic efficiency while maintaining visualization quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Length of moving object

If smaller endoscope tip diameter is used, then portal size is reduced, but image resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula diameterVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional fiberoptic mechanical system with a digital camera sensor and electronic imaging system, allowing for high-resolution images to be captured through a smaller cannula diameter by using electronic rather than optical fiber transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enhances surgical efficiency by reducing the need for unnecessary wrist rotation and portal creation, improving image resolution, and minimizing tissue damage and instrument breakage, while also reducing surgical time and patient discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical wire carrying the camera signal from the cannula tip through the length of the cannula would interface via an electrical coupler (e.g., electrical commutator or service loop) that would allow at least 90 degrees of cannula rotation (or alternatively at least 360 degrees of cannula rotation or unlimited cannula rotation) without interruption of the electrical connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical commutator:

Implementation Method 2

the optical camera chip (e.g., complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), charge coupled device (CCD), lens, or other type of image sensor) is placed at the tip of the arthroscopic cannula

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCMOS/CCD image sensing:

Implementation Method 3

This implementation-includes a LED light source contained either within the arthroscope handle or located at the tip of the cannula

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250176819A1Orthopedic arthroscopic optical cannula system

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 RESNENT LLC

AI summary

Implementations described herein are directed toward an improved orthopedic arthroscopy system that reduces the number of necessary arthroscopic portals while at the same time improving endoscopic visualization and instrumentation capability within the joint space. Main embodiments of the disclosed system replace the traditional rod endoscope with a rotatable, optical cannula through which instruments can be used to manipulate tissue and perform surgery. By adding the cannula rotation capability, visualization of instrument tool tip can be easily adjusted. The disclosed system would eliminate the need for unnecessary wrist rotation by the surgeon thereby making it easier to coordinate hand position while performing surgical tasks.