Micro-invasive surgical device and methods of use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for treating trigger finger, such as those using a hook blade, often slide off the tendon and require additional tools for insertion, lacking a minimally invasive solution with controlled blade deployment.

Innovation Solution

A tissue cutting device with a first blade and a second blade, where the second blade is rotatable relative to the first blade, allowing it to transition between protected and exposed positions, and featuring break points for controlled separation, facilitating minimal invasive procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hook blade is used to cut the Al pulley, then the cutting function is achieved, but the device slides off the tendon and requires additional insertion tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade stability on tendonVSAvoidnumber of insertion tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the insertion function and cutting function into a single integrated device. The first blade is used for both inserting the device through the skin and for cutting the Al pulley, eliminating the need for separate insertion tools. The second blade is deployed from the same device body to perform the cutting action, merging multiple functions into one tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first blade acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the deployment of the second blade. The first blade is used to insert the device and then serves as a guide or mediator for the controlled deployment of the second cutting blade, enabling the cutting function without requiring separate insertion instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the second blade is always exposed for cutting, then cutting access is improved, but tissue damage and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade deployment controlVSAvoidtissue damage from exposed blade

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second blade transitions from a static protected state to a dynamic deployed state only when needed for cutting. The blade can rotate from a retracted position where it is protected by the first blade to an exposed cutting position, allowing controlled access that minimizes tissue damage while maintaining cutting capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting function is segmented into two distinct blades with different functions: the first blade for insertion and protection, and the second blade for cutting. This segmentation allows the second blade to remain protected during insertion and only be exposed when the cutting action is required, reducing unnecessary tissue exposure and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the second blade is protected by the first blade, then tissue invasiveness is reduced, but the cutting mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue invasivenessVSAvoidblade rotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second blade is arranged in a different spatial dimension relative to the first blade, allowing it to rotate from a protected position within the plane of the first blade to an exposed cutting position in a different plane. This dimensional arrangement enables the protection mechanism while maintaining a relatively simple rotation-based deployment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If a single blade is used for insertion and cutting, then device simplicity is improved, but the blade cannot be protected during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of bladesVSAvoidtissue exposure during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260060741A1Micro-invasive surgical device and methods of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

The invention provides a tissue cutting device comprising a handle, a first blade, and a second blade. The second blade is coupled to the handle. The second blade is rotatable relative to the first blade such that the second blade is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The second blade is in a same plane as the first blade when the second blade is in the first position. The second blade is rotated into a different plane from the first blade when the second blade is rotated from the first position toward the second position.