Spring-Release Surgical Clip for Easy Vessel Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical clips are difficult to remove from vessels once they are formed, often requiring specialized instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip design featuring a first and second member with proximal curved portions that pivotably connect, allowing the mating feature of the second member to disengage from the locking feature of the first member, enabling easy transition from an approximated to an unapproximated position, facilitating removal without specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical clip uses a locking mechanism to secure the first and second members in an approximated position, then the clip provides reliable occlusion of the vessel, but the clip becomes difficult to remove and requires specialized instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical clip transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic release mechanism. The proximal curved portions act as springs that can be compressed to disengage the locking features, allowing the clip to dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states for reliable occlusion during surgery and easy removal afterward
Solution Approach 2:
The clip's own structural components (proximal curved portions) serve dual purposes: they provide the locking mechanism during use and simultaneously serve as the release mechanism. By compressing the proximal curved portions, the clip self-releases without requiring specialized removal instrumentation
2Reliability
If a surgical clip uses a complex locking mechanism with mating features, then the clip maintains secure approximation of members, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features: locking features on the first member and complementary mating features on the second member. These segmented features engage through basic geometric interlocking without complex components, maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuation, the design uses passive geometric locking features that automatically engage when members are approximated. The complexity is inverted by using simple complementary shapes that lock through their own geometry rather than requiring additional locking components
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
Enables easy removal of the surgical clip from a vessel using simple forceps or graspers, eliminating the need for specialized instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
The second member pivotably connects to the first member between the first and second walls
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the proximal curved portions of the respective first and second members towards each other causes the mating feature of the second member to disengage from the locking feature
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical clip includes first and second members. The first member includes a first wall and a second wall each defining a proximal curved portion. A base portion adjoins the first wall and the second wall and defines a locking feature. The second member is pivotably connected to the first member between the first and second walls. The second member includes a mating feature and defines a proximal curved portion. The mating feature of the second member is configured to selectively engage the locking feature of the first member to lock the first and second members into an approximated position. Movement of the proximal curved portions of the respective first and second members towards each other causes the mating feature of the second member to disengage from the locking feature of the first member to move the first and second members from the approximated position into an unapproximated position.