Segmented Surgical Instrument with Retractable Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in minimizing tissue trauma and achieving complex configurations due to segment flexure and exposure of the retractor tip, which reduces effectiveness in pushing organs like the liver.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an elongate portion that can change configuration from a straight to a hook shape, featuring a control mechanism with a knurled actuating nut and wire loop to tighten segments, and additional embodiments with control cables and segment arrangements that reduce trauma and enhance stability and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retractor tip is exposed to facilitate manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but tissue trauma increases and effectiveness in pushing organs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor tip is nested within the shaft, with the tip being retractable into the shaft for insertion and removal, and extendable only to the required position during operation. This nesting arrangement protects the tip from causing tissue trauma while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor tip is made dynamically adjustable, allowing it to extend to the required position for organ pushing and then retract into the shaft. This dynamic configuration changes the tip's position based on operational needs, minimizing tissue trauma when not in use while maintaining effectiveness when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elongate portion is made flexible to enable configuration changes, then adaptability is improved, but stability and resistance to rotational movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate portion is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing configuration changes while maintaining overall stability. The segments are connected in a way that permits controlled movement for adaptability while preventing unwanted rotational movement through the segmented structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with pre-configured segment arrangements and control mechanisms that enable predictable configuration changes. The segments are arranged and connected in advance to ensure that when configuration changes are made, stability and rotational resistance are maintained through the predetermined structural relationships.
3Ease of operation
If the retractor is designed for easy insertion through restricted openings, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to apply sufficient force for organ displacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor features a dynamic configuration that allows it to be flexible during insertion through restricted openings, then transform into a more rigid configuration for force application. The segments can be controlled to extend and stabilize, enabling sufficient force to be applied to organs for displacement while maintaining ease of insertion through the flexible initial configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument including an elongate portion arranged, in use, to be inserted through a restricted opening into a body, the elongate portion being movable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration in which two parts of the instrument that are spaced from each other in the first configuration at least partially cross each other in the second configuration.