Surgical Actuator Handle Segmentation for Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools with mutually-opposing handle parts face challenges in precision and ergonomics, leading to errors and complications during procedures like aneurysm clipping, due to difficulty in holding the tool steady while operating the end effector, restricted visibility, and clip slippage issues.
Innovation Solution
An actuator handle design with a body part gripped by the user's hand and a single-finger operable actuating member that moves linearly to actuate the end effector, combined with a Scott-Russell linkage mechanism for force transmission, allowing precise control and minimal disturbance, and a surgical clip with resilient biasing and ball-and-socket engagement fixtures for secure deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mutually-opposing handle parts are used to support the tool, then the tool can be held steady, but the handle parts obstruct the surgeon's view and make precise operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into a stationary body part and a movable actuating member. The body part provides stable support while the actuating member can be moved independently by a single finger to operate the end effector, eliminating the need to move the entire handle and improving both stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling component acts as an intermediary between the actuating member and the end effector, transmitting force from the actuating member to the end effector. This allows precise control of the end effector through a small, easily movable actuating member while maintaining the stability of the body part.
2Ease of operation
If mutually-opposing handle parts are moved together or apart to operate the end effector, then the end effector can be actuated, but the tool cannot be held steady simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into a stationary body part for stable support and a movable actuating member for operation. This segmentation allows the surgeon to hold the body part steady with one hand while using a finger to move the actuating member for precise end effector control.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical system requiring two-handed operation of mutually-opposing handle parts is replaced with a single-finger actuating member that moves linearly or rotarily. This substitution enables one-handed operation with the other hand free to stabilize the tool, improving both ease of actuation and surgical precision.
3Device complexity
If traditional handle design is used, then the structure is simple, but visibility of the surgical site is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the surgeon look through or around the traditional mutually-opposing handle parts, the actuating member is positioned alongside the body part in a configuration that clears the surgical field of view. The single-finger actuation mechanism allows the surgeon to operate the end effector without the handle obstructing the view of the surgical site.
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
Enhances precision and control during surgical procedures, reduces the risk of errors and complications, and improves visibility by allowing steady tool handling and secure clip placement, especially in complex aneurysm surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
one or more coupling components coupled to the actuating member, for mechanically transmitting motive force from the actuating member to the end effector upon movement of the actuating member between the first and second positions by the user in use
Implementation Method 2
the actuating member may be resiliently biased into the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator handle for a hand-held surgical tool, the actuator handle comprising: a body part adapted to be gripped by a user's hand, the body part having an end effector mounted or mountable thereon; an actuating member alongside the body part and arranged to be operably moveable by a single finger of the said hand, in a substantially linear manner between first and second positions relative to the body part, for actuating the end effector in use; and one or more coupling components coupled to the actuating member, for mechanically transmitting motive force from the actuating member to the end effector upon movement of the actuating member between the first and second positions by the user in use. A surgical clip, for example for use in aneurysm clipping, is also provided, the clip comprising: first and second clipping arms that are mutually openable and closable; biasing means arranged to resiliently bias the first and second clipping arms into a closed configuration; and first and second engagement fixtures respectively coupled to the first and second clipping arms and arranged such that first and second gripping arms of a complementary surgical clip deployment tool can grip the clip and open the clipping arms by applying a lateral force to the first and second engagement fixtures; wherein each of the first and second engagement fixtures comprises at least part of a ball or at least part of a loop or cup, with which each of the arms of said surgical clip deployment tool can engage in a substantially ball-and-socket manner.