Self-articulating joint for minimally invasive surgical instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical instruments with bends require larger cannulas for passage, limiting the use of smaller cannulas that offer better patient outcomes due to the need for two-handed operation to control articulation, complicating procedures and potentially increasing recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A self-articulating joint with a first and second elbow component pivotably coupled, biased to form a non-linear angle, and an elbow latch to hold the components at a fixed angle, allowing for automatic alignment and reconfiguration to fit through small cannulas without requiring manual control during insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bent-shaft surgical instruments are used to improve ergonomics and reach difficult areas, then surgical efficiency and comfort are improved, but larger cannulas are required which worsen patient outcomes and increase recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft of the surgical instrument is made dynamically configurable between bent and straight configurations. The shaft can be bent during surgical operation to provide ergonomic advantages and difficult-to-reach access, then straightened when needed to pass through smaller cannulas, thus resolving the contradiction between surgical comfort and patient recovery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If controlled-articulation devices are used to enable bent instruments through smaller cannulas, then patient outcomes are improved, but device complexity increases requiring two-handed operation and potentially requiring surgical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument shaft performs self-articulation and self-straightening without requiring external control mechanisms. The shaft automatically transitions between bent and straight configurations based on operational needs, eliminating the need for complex articulation controls and freeing the surgeon's hands for other tasks.
3Ease of operation
If controlled-articulation devices require two-handed operation to adjust articulation, then articulation control is achieved, but surgical productivity decreases due to inability to manipulate multiple devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft automatically articulates and straightens itself without requiring the surgeon to manually adjust controls. This self-service capability allows the surgeon to maintain control of multiple surgical devices simultaneously, thereby improving surgical productivity while maintaining ease of articulation control.
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 the use of ergonomically bent instruments through smaller cannulas, improving patient outcomes and recovery times by allowing single-handed operation and reducing the need for a surgical assistant during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The self-articulating joint has a first elbow component pivotably coupled to a second elbow component, wherein the first and second elbow components are biased to form a non-linear angle relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
an elbow latch configured to releasably hold the first and second elbow components at a substantially fixed non-linear operating angle
Data Source
AI summary
A self-articulating joint is disclosed for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The self-articulating joint has a first elbow component pivotably coupled to a second elbow component, wherein the first and second elbow components are biased to form a non-linear angle relative to each other. The self-articulating joint also has an elbow latch configured to releasably hold the first and second elbow components at a substantially fixed non-linear operating angle.