Separable Surgical Joint for Articulating Distal Tips in Small Cannulas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional minimally invasive surgical instruments face challenges in flexibility and access to surgical sites due to limitations in tool placement through small incisions, hindering the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
The development of separable surgical instrument joints that allow a distal tip to articulate relative to an elongate shaft, transitioning between states to enable or disable articulation, facilitating insertion and removal through small cannulas while maintaining strength and flexibility for tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional minimally invasive surgical instruments are used, then small incisions can be made, but flexibility and access to surgical sites are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into multiple segments including a proximal shaft, a separable joint with articulation, and a distal tip. The joint can be separated into first and second joint elements that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the instrument to bend and reach into difficult-to-access areas while maintaining structural integrity through the separable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between articulated and non-articulated states. The articulation mechanism enables the joint to adapt its configuration based on the surgical task, providing flexibility when needed and stability when required, thereby improving access to various surgical sites.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separable joint with articulation is implemented, then flexibility and articulation capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into distinct first and second joint elements with separate articulation mechanisms. Each element can be independently designed and manufactured, simplifying the overall complexity while enabling articulation. The separable nature allows for modular assembly and reduces the complexity compared to a monolithic articulated joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint elements are pre-configured with articulation surfaces and engagement features that enable smooth transition between articulated and non-articulated states. The preliminary design of these features ensures that the articulation mechanism operates reliably without requiring complex control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the joint is made separable to enable articulation, then flexibility is improved, but the outer diameter of the joint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is nested within the joint structure, with the first and second joint elements fitting together in a compact arrangement. When not in use, the articulation components are contained within the overall joint footprint, minimizing the outer diameter. When articulation is needed, the elements can be positioned to provide the required flexibility without significantly increasing the external dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, separable surgical instrument joints and methods of using separable surgical instrument joints are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a joint at which a distal tip of the surgical instrument is configured to articulate relative to an elongate shaft of the instrument. The surgical instrument is configured to move between first and second states. In the first state, the distal tip of the surgical instrument cannot be articulated relative to the elongate shaft. In the second state, the distal tip can be articulated relative to the elongate shaft.