Slotted Transparent Cannula for Endoscopic Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical instruments lack an efficient and cost-effective design for procedures like carpal tunnel release and other extremity releases, which can lead to tissue damage and inadequate visualization during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A slotted transparent cannula with a tubular body made from transparent plastic, featuring a longitudinal slot and radially extending wings, allowing for direct visualization and controlled insertion of surgical instruments, along with an instrument kit that includes a cannula guide member, endoscope, cutting instruments, and locking devices for precise procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional endoscopic surgical instruments are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but visualization is inadequate and tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is made transparent to allow direct visualization of surgical instruments and surrounding tissues during the procedure. This transparency enables the surgeon to see through the cannula wall, improving visualization quality and allowing for more precise instrument placement while reducing tissue damage.
2Productivity
If endoscopic procedures are performed through small incisions, then patient recovery is improved, but instrument control and visualization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cannula allows direct visualization of instruments and tissues through the cannula wall, compensating for the limited control inherent in small incision procedures. This enables precise instrument manipulation while maintaining the benefits of minimal incision size for faster patient recovery.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized endoscopic instruments are designed, then surgical precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cannula provides enhanced visualization and surgical precision through its optical properties, while the design uses a simple tubular structure with radial slots that can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard medical device fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula features radial slots that divide the tubular structure into segments, allowing for instrument insertion and removal while maintaining structural integrity. This segmented design achieves surgical precision without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
4Reliability
If a transparent cannula is used, then direct visualization is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cannula is made from transparent plastic material that provides adequate structural strength for endoscopic procedures while allowing direct visualization. The material selection balances optical properties with mechanical strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial slots in the transparent cannula are designed to maintain structural integrity while enabling instrument passage. The segmented structure provides sufficient strength for surgical applications while preserving the transparency needed for visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
A slotted cannula for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The slotted cannula has a tubular body having a distal end, a proximate end, an open slot extending longitudinally from the beginning of the proximate end to the proximity of the distal end, and a pair of wings integrally formed on the proximate end. The tubular body is made from a transparent material and has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate an endoscope.