Suction Grasper for Ossicular Prosthesis Self-Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for handling ossicular prostheses in the middle ear lack precision and stability, with mechanical graspers amplifying uncontrolled movements and suction instruments failing to maintain or re-orient the prosthesis if displaced, leading to difficulties in precise implantation and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A suction grasper instrument with a reusable handpiece and disposable prosthesis-adapted suction tips, designed to stabilize and re-orient ossicular prostheses using suction, featuring a geometry-specific distal end that engages and re-orients the prosthesis without mechanical activation, providing self-correction and improved control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical grasper is used to hold the prosthesis, then the prosthesis can be grasped and manipulated, but mechanical forces applied at the proximal end are amplified at the distal end causing uncontrolled movement and displacement of the prosthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical grasper system with a suction-based holding system. Instead of using mechanical gripping forces that get amplified through the instrument length, the invention uses suction pressure applied at the distal end to hold the prosthesis. This substitution eliminates the mechanical amplification problem while maintaining the ability to grasp and manipulate the prosthesis with precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a suction source to create negative pressure within the suction tip. This pneumatic force field is contained entirely at the distal end where the prosthesis is held, allowing for secure grasping without the mechanical force transmission and amplification issues inherent in mechanical grasper systems.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical grasper is used, then the prosthesis can be held, but if the prosthesis is inadvertently contacted during insertion, it can be damaged if held too tightly or dropped or displaced out of intended orientation
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical gripping mechanism with a suction-based system, the invention eliminates the risk of excessive mechanical forces damaging the prosthesis. The suction force can be precisely controlled and distributed across the prosthesis surface, preventing both crushing damage from excessive grip force and dropping from sudden releases.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction-based system provides a cushioning effect by distributing holding forces across the entire contact surface of the prosthesis within the suction tip. This prevents concentrated stress points that could cause damage, and the gradual nature of suction force application allows for smooth, controlled manipulation without sudden movements that could lead to displacement.
3Reliability
If current suction instruments are used, then mechanical forces are not required at the proximal end to release the implant, but they do not have the ability to maintain implant position or re-orient a prosthesis if displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tip is designed with multiple functional capabilities: it can hold the prosthesis through suction, maintain its position during insertion, and actively re-orient the prosthesis if it becomes displaced. The geometric features of the suction tip work together with the suction force to provide these multiple functions, making the instrument versatile for various surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tip is designed to automatically maintain prosthesis position and re-orient it if displaced, without requiring additional mechanical actions from the surgeon. The geometric features of the suction tip work in conjunction with the suction force to self-correct prosthesis orientation, eliminating the need for complex manual repositioning maneuvers.
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 suction grasper instrument offers enhanced stability and control during implantation, allowing for precise placement and self-correction of ossicular prostheses, reducing the risk of displacement and damage, and is more cost-effective and easier to manufacture than mechanical graspers.
Implementation Method 1
Instruments that use suction to hold a prosthesis have the advantage in that mechanical forces are not required at the proximal end of the device to release the implant
Implementation Method 2
current suction instruments do not have the ability to maintain implant position and/or re-orient a prosthesis in the event the prosthesis is inadvertently displaced from its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A suction activated instrumentation system for use in implanting an ossicular prosthesis into the middle ear includes a suction handpiece and a vacuum source. A removable suction tip is coupled to the handpiece for engaging an ossicular prosthesis. The suction tip includes a distal portion with an elongate slot opening at an end face, and two arms defined at the end face. When suction is applied through the suction tip, the prosthesis is drawn against the end face and retained between the arms. In the event the prosthesis is inadvertently contacted during implantation, the suction tip provides for self-correction, causing a prosthesis to re-orient into the prior intended configuration.