Rotating Tissue Cutter with Helical Evacuation Channel
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue resection instruments face challenges in effectively cutting and evacuating soft and dense tissue, particularly within confined spaces like the uterus, where existing methods may not efficiently remove tissue debris while maintaining proper distension and visibility during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue resecting instrument with a rotatable shaft and tissue cutter featuring an outer shroud and inner cutting member, where the inner cutting member is fixed to the shaft, allowing for rotation and creating a helical channel for tissue resection and evacuation, combined with a fluid outflow tube and suction source for efficient debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional cutting blade is used for tissue resection, then cutting function is provided, but tissue evacuation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and evacuation function into a single integrated tissue cutter assembly. The inner cutting member with helical cutting edges performs tissue resection while simultaneously defining a central lumen for debris evacuation, eliminating the need for separate cutting and evacuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue cutter is designed as a multi-functional instrument where the outer shroud provides both cutting edges for tissue resection and a central lumen for simultaneous evacuation of debris. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate instruments.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inner cutting member rotates within the outer shroud, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cutting member is nested within the outer shroud, with the inner member rotating on its own axis while being contained within the stationary outer shroud. This nested configuration allows independent rotation of the cutting element without requiring complex external drive mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue cutter is divided into two distinct functional segments: the stationary outer shroud that provides structural support and evacuation pathway, and the rotating inner cutting member that performs the cutting action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the distal portion of the outer shroud is open with a window, then tissue evacuation is improved, but structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shroud transitions from a fully enclosed structure to one with a window opening specifically at the distal portion where evacuation is needed. This localized modification provides evacuation access where most required while maintaining the structural integrity of the proximal portions of the shroud.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shroud features an asymmetric design with a window opening at the distal end rather than being uniformly closed. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the balance between structural strength and evacuation capability by placing the opening only where it is most functionally beneficial.
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
Enables effective resection and evacuation of tissue through the instrument, maintaining uterine distension and visibility, by utilizing the rotating tissue cutter and suction mechanism to efficiently remove tissue debris, improving the precision and effectiveness of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue resecting instrument may include a suction source operably coupled to the fluid outflow tube
Implementation Method 2
The inner cutting member may include a shank portion disposed within the proximal portion of the outer shroud and a cutting portion disposed within the distal portion of the outer shroud
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue resecting instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and a tissue cutting extending distally from the shaft. The tissue cutter provides for both radial and distal resection of tissue.