Side-Loaded Arthroscopic Handle With Elastic Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments for arthroscopic surgery, particularly for suture passing and stitching, are limited in maneuverability and functionality within the constrained space of minimally invasive procedures, failing to efficiently facilitate internal suturing and suture manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A medical implement with a handle featuring a longitudinally-extending slot and an elastic shield for side-loading a manipulatable member, such as a flexible wire with a loop, allowing for effective manipulation of sutures through a combination of a rotating roller and thumb-controlled wire extension/retraction, enabling efficient suture passing and stitching within the limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suture passing devices are used through narrow portals, then the surgical procedure can be performed minimally invasively, but the maneuverability and functionality of the instruments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for manipulation, a shaft for transmission, and a suture-receiving element at the distal end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall maneuverability through the narrow portal
Solution Approach 2:
The side-loading mechanism introduces a lateral dimension for instrument insertion, allowing the suture passing device to be loaded into the handle through the side rather than requiring complex assembly through the narrow portal, thereby simplifying the surgical procedure
2Productivity
If the suture passing device is designed for narrow portal insertion, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but the ability to manipulate sutures effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible wire with a loop is introduced as an intermediary element between the surgeon's manipulation at the proximal end and the suture passing action at the distal end. This wire acts as a mediator that transmits rotational and extension/retraction motions to effectively pass sutures through tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The suture-receiving element is designed to automatically capture and pass sutures through tissue when the flexible wire is rotated and extended, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation techniques and allowing the instrument to perform the suture passing function autonomously
3Ease of manufacture
If a side-loading mechanism is implemented, then ease of instrument loading is improved, but the structural complexity of the handle increases
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic shield is used to cover the longitudinal slot in the handle, providing a simple yet effective mechanism that yields during side-loading of the manipulatable member and then secures it in place. This flexible barrier approach achieves secure retention without requiring complex mechanical locking structures
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic shield changes its physical state from a covering position to a yielded position during loading, allowing the manipulatable member to pass through. After loading, it returns to its original state to secure the member, utilizing elastic deformation as the loading mechanism
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
The solution enhances maneuverability and functionality by allowing for easy side-loading and secure retention of the wire, facilitating efficient suture passing and stitching within the constrained environment of arthroscopic surgery, improving the ability to perform internal suturing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic section of the shield being yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway
Implementation Method 2
the elastic section of the shield being yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but preventing a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery, includes: a handle having a proximal end configured for manual gripping by a user, a distal end for manipulation during the surgery, an internal passageway extending through the handle from the proximal end to the distal end thereof, and a longitudinally-extending slot extending longitudinally through the handle from its outer surface to the passageway for side-loading the handle with a manipulatable member to be manipulated during surgery. A shield is located within the passageway in the handle. The shield is secured along one edge to the inner surface of handle defining the passageway, and includes an elastic section normally covering the longitudinally-extending slot. The elastic section of the shield is yieldable to permit side-loading of the manipulatable member into the passageway, but to prevent a side-loaded manipulatable member from passing outwardly from the passageway.