Suction and Irrigation Valve Priming in Robotic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack efficient mechanisms for simultaneously controlling suction and irrigation during robotic surgeries, which can complicate procedures and reduce operational ease for medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system with a spool valve assembly that integrates suction and irrigation control, allowing for selective fluid and vacuum source management through a valve adapter and pull cables, enabling precise operation of surgical instruments with enhanced control over suction and irrigation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control mechanisms are used for suction and irrigation, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate suction and irrigation control mechanisms into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains both suction and irrigation pathways with a common control interface, allowing independent control of both functions through a unified mechanism. This reduces the number of separate valves and control elements needed while maintaining the ability to independently regulate suction and irrigation flows.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate valves are used for suction and irrigation control, then precise control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that controls both suction and irrigation through a single control interface. The valve body incorporates multiple pathways and outlets that can be independently regulated, allowing one valve assembly to perform the functions of multiple separate valves. This maintains precise control capability while simplifying the operator interface and improving ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple valve structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to simultaneously control suction and irrigation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones within a single integrated body. The valve body contains separate pathways, outlets, and control mechanisms for suction and irrigation that are spatially organized but structurally unified. This segmentation allows each function to be manufactured and assembled using standard techniques while maintaining the complex dual-control capability within a single manufacturable component.
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 system provides improved operational efficiency by allowing precise control over suction and irrigation, enhancing surgical precision and reducing procedural complexity, thereby improving the ease of use for medical professionals during robotic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a second inlet configured to receive a suction from a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
at least one valve plug configured to selectively fluidly connect at least two of the outlet, the first inlet, and the second inlet via the valve chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method of priming a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly including a lumen, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a first inlet configured to receive the fluid from a fluid source, a second inlet configured to receive a suction from a vacuum source, an outlet in fluid communication with the lumen, a valve chamber, and at least one valve plug. The method includes activating the fluid source to provide the fluid to the first inlet, activating the vacuum source to provide the suction to the second inlet, transitioning the at least one valve plug from a first position to a second position, and transferring a first portion of the fluid from the first inlet toward the vacuum source through the second inlet thereby priming the surgical instrument.