Medical Articulation Devices With Single-Handed Wire Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for endoscopic and surgical procedures in the gastrointestinal tract lack sufficient articulating capabilities, requiring multiple hands or additional devices for maneuvering, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle, shaft, and end effector, featuring a first actuator that pivots to deflect the end effector and a second actuator that translates to actuate it, allowing enhanced maneuverability and control through a pivot joint and channel configurations for the wires, enabling single-handed operation and precise manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices or multiple hands are used to manipulate the device, then articulating capabilities are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (articulation control and tool actuation) into a single integrated handle assembly with a unified control interface. The articulation assembly is merged with the handle to provide coordinated control of both articulation and tool actuation through a common control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate devices or multiple hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it controls both the articulation of the tube assembly and the actuation of the tool assembly. The control mechanism is designed to provide universal control capabilities for different surgical operations, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices or multiple hands are used to manipulate the device, then articulating capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation assembly is integrated with the handle assembly to form a unified structure. The control cables for articulation are routed through the handle assembly, and the control mechanism is combined with the existing tool actuation system, reducing the need for separate articulation devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a multi-functional control center that manages both articulation and tool actuation. This universal control approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining enhanced articulating capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a single control element is used to control articulation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and control accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control cables as intermediary elements that transmit force from the control mechanism to the articulation assembly and tool actuation components. These cables provide a mechanical transmission medium that ensures precise and accurate control while maintaining ease of operation through the ergonomic handle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanical cable-based control system. This mechanical substitution provides reliable and accurate control transmission while simplifying the overall system and improving ease of operation through direct mechanical linkage between the handle and the surgical instrument components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device that includes a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a first actuator coupled to the handle and secured to a first wire. The first wire extends through the shaft, and the first actuator is configured to pivot relative to the shaft to pull the first wire proximally and to deflect the end effector relative to the shaft.