Rotating Colpotomy Cup Cutter for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures, the colpotomy step is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately positioning and tracking a cutting tool around the colpotomy cup, especially with limited visual references and small target areas, leading to potential inaccuracies in incision and separation of the uterus from the vagina.
Innovation Solution
A colpotomy system comprising a colpotomy cup with a cutter that rotates along an arcuate path, coupled to an electrosurgical energy source, and optionally featuring light emitting diodes for in vivo positioning, a movable blade, or a hooked electrode, to facilitate precise tissue separation and incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional cutting tool is used for colpotomy, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the precision and accuracy of the incision are compromised due to difficulty in tracking and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the colpotomy cup and cutter into a single integrated assembly where the cutter is operably coupled to the colpotomy cup. This merging ensures that the cutter maintains a fixed spatial relationship with the cup, eliminating tracking difficulties and ensuring precise incision along the cup's circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter is configured to travel along an arcuate path about the distal surface of the colpotomy cup, matching the curved geometry of the cup. This curved cutting path ensures precise circular incision that follows the natural anatomy of the cervix and vaginal tissue.
2Ease of operation
If visual reference points are provided to aid positioning, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the cutter that illuminate during the procedure. These LEDs provide visual reference points that are easily visible to the clinician, facilitating accurate positioning and tracking of the cutter without requiring complex external imaging systems.
3Productivity
If the cutter rotates about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup, then the productivity and efficiency of the colpotomy procedure improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable cutter that can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup. This dynamic rotation allows the cutter to efficiently traverse the entire circumference of the cervix and vaginal tissue, performing the complete colpotomy through rotational motion rather than requiring multiple manual positioning steps.
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of the colpotomy procedure by allowing for accurate and controlled tissue cutting and separation, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The cutter may include a cutting surface configured to conduct energy therethrough. The cutter may be coupled to an electrosurgical energy source configured to transmit electrosurgical energy to the cutting surface.
Implementation Method 2
The cutter may include one or more light emitting diodes configured to facilitate in vivo positioning of the cutter when illuminated.
Implementation Method 3
The first and second electrodes may be bipolar and configured to sever tissue as the cutter encircles the distal surface of the colpotomy cup.
Data Source
AI summary
A colpotomy system includes an energy source and a uterine manipulator that is electrically coupled to the energy source. The uterine manipulator supports a colpotomy cup and extends to a conductive distal tip portion. The colpotomy cup includes a conductive surface. One or both of the conductive distal tip portion and the conductive surface of the colpotomy cup are configured to return monopolar energy to the energy source.