Rotational Colpotomy Cup with LED Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures, the colpotomy step is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately positioning and cutting the colpotomy cup, often resulting in incomplete or irregular incisions due to the small target area and lack of visual references.
Innovation Solution
A colpotomy system comprising a colpotomy cup with a cutter that rotates about its longitudinal axis, equipped with electrosurgical capabilities and light emitting diodes for improved tissue cutting and visualization, along with a movable blade and vacuum source for tissue approximation, facilitating precise tissue separation between the uterus and vagina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional cutting tool is used to perform colpotomy, then the procedure can be completed, but the incision is often incomplete or irregular due to difficulty in positioning and tracking the small target area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a colpotomy cup as an intermediary device that is positioned on the cervix to provide a stable target for the cutting tool. The cup's larger size and defined geometry make it easier to locate and track during the procedure, solving the positioning difficulty while maintaining incision precision through the cup's guidance structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual reference points and tracking markers that create additional dimensional information (visual dimension) to help clinicians locate and track the colpotomy cup. This transforms the difficult 3D positioning task into a more manageable task with visual guidance, improving both positioning ease and incision precision
2Ease of operation
If the colpotomy cup is made smaller to fit the target area, then it can be positioned within the vagina and cervix, but visual reference points are lost making positioning even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding visual reference points, tracking markers, and illuminated features to specific locations on the colpotomy cup. This allows the cup to maintain a compact size for proper anatomical fitting while having localized areas that provide enhanced visual identification and tracking during the procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutter is manually tracked around the colpotomy cup, then the procedure can be performed, but the lack of visual reference points prevents clinicians from making a clean track and incision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and illuminated features on the colpotomy cup that emit visible light to enhance visual reference points. This solves the visual reference loss problem by providing active illumination and color-coded markers that guide the cutting tool along the correct path, improving cut quality through enhanced visual information
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 completeness of the colpotomy procedure by allowing for accurate and controlled tissue cutting, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cutter may include one or more light emitting diodes configured to facilitate in vivo positioning of the cutter when illuminated
Implementation Method 2
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 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
Figure 1~2B
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AI summary
A colpotomy system includes a colpotomy cup that extends to a distal surface and defines a longitudinal axis. The colpotomy system further includes a cutter operably coupled to the colpotomy cup and configured to travel along an arcuate path defined about the distal surface of the colpotomy cup. The cutter actuatable to separate a uterus from a vagina as the cutter rotates about the longitudinal axis of the colpotomy cup.