Suction Cup Tissue Grasper for Low-Damage Surgical Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools often cause tissue damage due to sharp or blunt grasping mechanisms, and it is difficult to effectively grasp tissues of varying sizes and shapes without causing compression or laceration.
Innovation Solution
A tissue engaging surgical tool with a suction cup end portion that adjusts pressure to create a releasable vacuum force, allowing secure grasping without pinching or compressing tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If sharp toothed instruments are used to grasp tissue, then grasping force is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pinching mechanism with a suction-based holding mechanism. The suction cup creates a vacuum seal that holds tissue without mechanical compression or sharp edges, eliminating the harmful mechanical contact that causes tissue damage while maintaining effective grasping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a suction cup that creates and maintains a vacuum seal. The pressure adjustment mechanism controls the negative pressure within the suction cup, allowing the tissue to be held securely through atmospheric pressure differential rather than mechanical force, thus avoiding tissue damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blunt instruments are used to grasp tissue, then tissue damage is reduced, but grasping effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup mechanism provides effective grasping through pneumatic pressure differential. The vacuum seal creates a strong holding force that is distributed evenly across the contact area, maintaining tissue integrity while ensuring secure grasping without the need for sharp or compressive mechanical forces.
3Force
If forceps are used to grasp tissue, then grasping capability is improved, but adaptability to different tissue sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic control of the suction level. This enables the device to adapt to different tissue sizes and shapes by adjusting the vacuum pressure to match the specific grasping requirements, providing versatility across various surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup design provides a universal grasping mechanism that can accommodate various tissue types, sizes, and shapes. The pressure adjustment capability further enhances this universality, allowing the same device to effectively grasp different anatomical structures without requiring multiple specialized tools.
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
The device minimizes tissue damage by distributing suction force over a larger area, enhancing engagement on slippery tissues, and providing adjustable pressure to maintain secure grasping.
Implementation Method 1
The device is configured to increase or decrease pressure between the flexible end portion and tissue that the end portion is held against, thereby creating a releasable suction or vacuum force
Implementation Method 2
The device is configured to increase or decrease pressure between the flexible end portion and tissue that the end portion is held against, thereby creating a releasable suction or vacuum force
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a tissue engaging surgical tool that is configured to selectively hold or grasp a portion of tissue with a suction cup or flexible end portion. The device is configured to increase or decrease pressure between the flexible end portion and tissue that the end portion is held against, thereby creating a releasable suction or vacuum force.