Rubberized Bowel Grasper with Integrated Force Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery faces challenges in accurately measuring distances within the body cavity, gripping delicate tissues without causing injury, and visually quantifying the pressure applied during procedures, leading to potential tissue damage and complications.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional surgical instrument with a rubberized bowel grasper and integrated force gauge that provides visual feedback on pressure application, allowing for accurate distance measurement and improved tissue handling, featuring a color-coded system to indicate safe gripping pressure and a rotating shaft for measuring lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a metallic grasper with hard surfaces is used to grip bowel tissue, then the gripping force is sufficient to hold tissue, but the risk of tissue injury or perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameter of the grasper from hard metallic to soft rubberized material. This parameter change allows the grasper to apply sufficient gripping force while the softness of the rubberized surface prevents tissue injury and perforation, directly resolving the contradiction between gripping effectiveness and tissue safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining a rigid metallic grasper body with a soft rubberized coating on the gripping surfaces. The rigid body provides structural strength and gripping force, while the rubberized coating provides tissue protection, creating a composite solution that simultaneously achieves both gripping effectiveness and tissue safety
2Measurement precision
If a standalone wheel-based measuring device is used to measure distances in the body cavity, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity and number of required instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distance measurement function with the existing grasper instrument by integrating a measuring string mechanism into the grasper shaft. This allows the surgeon to measure distances using the same instrument already in the body cavity, eliminating the need for separate measuring devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the grasper instrument universal by giving it multiple functions: tissue grasping, distance measurement, and force monitoring. The measuring string integrated into the grasper shaft enables distance measurement without requiring a dedicated measuring instrument, allowing one tool to serve multiple surgical needs
3Measurement precision
If visual feedback on applied pressure is not provided, then the instrument structure remains simple, but the precision of pressure application and tissue safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback by incorporating a color-coded scale visible through a window in the grasper handle. As the surgeon applies pressure, the grasper compresses and the visual indicator changes color or position to show the amount of force applied, providing real-time feedback that enables precise pressure control and prevents tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a visual indicator system for pressure feedback. The color-coded scale changes color or displays different colored zones corresponding to different pressure levels, allowing the surgeon to immediately see how much force is being applied to the tissue and adjust accordingly to maintain safe pressure levels
4Ease of manufacture
If the grasper jaws have a fixed design, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different tissue types and surgical needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the grasper by allowing the jaw opening width to be modified. The adjustable mechanism enables the grasper to accommodate different tissue sizes and types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing manufacturing ease with surgical versatility
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 safety and accuracy of laparoscopic procedures by reducing the risk of tissue injury, improving grip functionality, and enabling consistent pressure application, leading to quicker recovery and lower infection rates.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface of the jaws is constructed of a rubberized material... the rubberized material will provide a superior grip on the bowel
Implementation Method 2
a spring housed within the handle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward devices and methods for use in minimally invasive needlescopic procedures whereby an improved bowel grasper incorporates a means for measuring the pressure applied to a body part is translated to a visual representation. In addition, in an embodiment a rubberized bowel grasper device having a chevron style surface which is used to facilitate grabbing and manipulating body parts is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention and system a device and method for measuring distances inside the abdomen is provided. Further embodiments include bowel graspers with a combination of the above features and functions.