Single Loader for Laparoscopic Instrument Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), face limitations in achieving triangulation and effectively attaching and detaching full-sized laparoscopic instrument heads within the body, particularly due to the small size and limited functionality of instruments, which restricts surgical precision and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic instrument head single loader system that allows for the insertion and secure attachment of full-sized medical instrument heads to small diameter shafts within the body under direct visualization, utilizing a specialized insertion tool with a tilting mechanism and orientation finder, and optional memory metal wire or shepherds hook configuration for precise orientation and locking, enabling multiple instrument heads to be attached and detached as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full-sized laparoscopic instrument heads are attached to small diameter shafts within the body, then surgical precision and triangulation are improved, but the complexity of attachment and detachment operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument head is inserted through a delivery tube and nested within the shaft assembly. The head passes through the distal end of the delivery tube and is positioned within the shaft, creating a nested configuration that facilitates both precise positioning and simplified attachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery tube serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the attachment of the instrument head to the shaft. The delivery tube is inserted through the shaft and provides a guided pathway for the instrument head, making the attachment process easier and more controlled
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instrument heads are attached and detached under direct visualization, then triangulation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loader system is divided into distinct functional segments: a delivery tube for inserting the instrument head, a shaft with attachment mechanisms, and the instrument head itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility for triangulation
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple different instrument heads. The same shaft and delivery tube system can be used to attach various surgical instruments, providing multi-functionality and enabling triangulation with different tool types
3Object-affected harmful factors
If small diameter shafts are used for minimally invasive procedures, then patient trauma is reduced, but the functionality and rigidity of instruments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument head with full-sized functional components is nested within the small diameter shaft and delivery tube assembly. This allows the shaft to remain small for minimal patient trauma while the nested head provides full instrument functionality when positioned at the distal end
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument head is positioned at the distal end of the shaft, extending beyond the small diameter constraint. This dimensional arrangement allows the shaft to be small for minimal invasion while the head provides full functionality at the working end, effectively solving the size-functionality contradiction
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
Facilitates triangulation and enhances surgical precision by allowing multiple instrument heads to be securely attached and detached under direct visualization, reducing the need for additional incisions and improving the functionality of minimally invasive procedures, thereby improving surgical control and reducing recovery times.
Implementation Method 1
its elasticity properties permits it to be bent into different shapes when under pressure and its metal memory characteristics allows it to freely return to its initial heat treated form when no pressure is present
Implementation Method 2
A laparoscope is then inserted through the upper passageway of the medical instrument insertion device... maintains constant visualization of the instrument head throughout the attachment process
Data Source
AI summary
A single instrument head loading device for use in needlescopic surgery comprises a shaft having maneuverable structure on a proximal end for use in correctly positioning an instrument head at a distal end thereof through manipulation of at least one wire engaged to a distal end loader within which the instrument head is held by maneuvering the maneuverable structure at the proximal end, to which a proximal end of the at least one wire is attached, the at least one wire traversing the length of the shaft and the distal end loader being positioned in a suitable position allowing engagement of the instrument head under continuous direct visualization to a distal end of a cooperating shaft of a surgical instrument as well as allowing for disengagement of the instrument head back into the distal end loader under continuous direct visualization, the engagement and disengagement taking place within a body cavity.