Rotating Shield Scalpel for One-Handed Dura Elevation and Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional neurosurgical tools require separate instruments for lifting and cutting the dura mater, necessitating multiple hands and complicating operations in a confined surgical space.

Innovation Solution

A combined dura elevating and cutting apparatus with a scalpel housing and a rotatable shield that allows for both lifting and cutting functions using a single instrument, enabling a single-handed operation by rotating the shield between engaged and recessed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate tools are used for lifting and cutting the dura mater, then each function can be performed with a specialized instrument, but multiple hands are required and the surgical operation becomes complex in a confined space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dura lifting function and cutting function into a single integrated apparatus. The shield serves as both an elevator (for lifting) and a protective cover (for cutting operations), eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing surgical complexity in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate tools are used for lifting and cutting the dura mater, then each function can be performed with a specialized instrument, but multiple hands are required to pass and hold very sharp blades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidhands required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design allows a single hand to perform both lifting and cutting functions. The shield's dual functionality as elevator and blade cover enables one-handed operation, eliminating the need for multiple hands to coordinate separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as an elevator to lift the dura mater, serves as a protective cover for the sharp blade, and provides a stable platform for cutting operations. This multi-functionality enables a single instrument to replace what previously required multiple specialized tools and hands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a combined apparatus is used for lifting and cutting, then single-handed operation is enabled and complexity is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands requiredVSAvoidstructural integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is nested within the shield structure, with the shield serving as both the elevator and the protective cover. This nesting arrangement allows the cutting function to be integrated within the lifting instrument without significantly increasing external complexity, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining a relatively compact design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12502199B2Dura elevating and cutting apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 DIGNITY HEALTH

AI summary

Various embodiments of a dural elevating and cutting apparatus and methods of use are disclosed herein.