Single-Port Laparoscopic Tool Manipulator with Pivoting Introducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery faces challenges with multiple port sites leading to pain, scars, and complications such as hernia, and limited maneuverability due to the need for multiple assistants and complex instrumentation, particularly in single-port access and needlescopic approaches.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic system that delivers and guides interchangeable surgical tools through a single port using a tool manipulator with snap-lock mechanisms, allowing for improved maneuverability and reduced scarring, featuring a tool introducer with a pivoting distal end for angular positioning and a special purpose endoscope for monitoring, along with an external guiding template for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple port sites are used for laparoscopic surgery, then surgical access and maneuverability are improved, but patient pain, scarring, and port-related complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical instruments and a camera into a single integrated port system. The port assembly allows simultaneous insertion of multiple tools through one entry point, merging functions that traditionally required separate ports. This reduces the number of incisions while maintaining surgical maneuverability through the coordinated arrangement of instruments within the single port.
Solution Approach 2:
The single port assembly serves multiple functions: it provides surgical access, houses multiple interchangeable tools, accommodates a camera for visualization, and includes sealing mechanisms. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ports for each function, reducing overall port sites while maintaining comprehensive surgical capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If single-port access is used to reduce scarring, then cosmetic results and patient comfort are improved, but instrument triangulation and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs articulating instruments with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust their orientation and position within the single port. The instruments feature articulated joints allowing them to bend and reposition, providing dynamic triangulation capability despite the fixed single-port entry point. This enables surgeons to achieve the necessary angular approach for different surgical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces articulation and bending capabilities to instruments, adding spatial dimensions to their movement. Instead of relying solely on port positioning for triangulation, the instruments themselves can change their effective position and angle through articulated sections, creating virtual triangulation from a single fixed port location.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If needlescopic approach is used with small incisions, then cosmetic results are improved, but instrument strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instrument into distinct sections: a slender needle-like outer shaft for insertion through small incisions, and a separate inner tool assembly containing the functional end-effectors. This segmentation allows the outer shaft to be thin for cosmetic purposes while the inner tool can be robust and interchangeable, maintaining strength where needed despite the small external profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design nests the functional tool assembly within the protective outer shaft. The interchangeable end-effectors are housed inside the slender needle-like manipulator, allowing the outer structure to remain thin for small incision access while the nested inner components maintain full functional strength and reliability for surgical tasks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If regular-sized interchangeable end-effectors are used through single port, then surgical functionality is maintained, but procedure duration and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-loaded tool cartridges and pre-assembled port systems that are prepared before surgery. The interchangeable end-effectors are pre-attached to manipulators in sterile configurations, and the entire port assembly is pre-assembled. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming intraoperative assembly steps, allowing rapid tool exchanges during the procedure while maintaining full surgical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual tool exchange mechanisms with simpler, more efficient coupling systems. The tool-cartridge assemblies use straightforward attachment and detachment mechanisms that reduce the time and complexity of tool changes compared to traditional laparoscopic instrument exchanges, enabling rapid swapping while maintaining surgical capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, the tool introducer capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel.