Multi-Function Surgical Cannula for Minimally Invasive Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices for neurosurgical and spinal procedures are limited by their ability to perform multiple functions within a minimally invasive setting, often requiring frequent instrument exchanges, which decreases efficiency and increases the risk of complications due to prolonged procedures and fatigue in surgeons.
Innovation Solution
A tissue cutting device with a semi-solid seal between the inner and outer cannulae, allowing for high reciprocation rates and a selectively curvable inner cannula, enabling multi-functional capabilities such as tissue cutting, aspiration, and manipulation without the need for frequent instrument exchanges, facilitating access to difficult-to-reach tissues through a curved path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single surgical device is used for multiple functions, then the number of instrument exchanges is reduced and procedural efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is designed with multiple functional capabilities including tissue cutting, aspiration, and manipulation functions within a single device. The device can switch between cutting mode and aspiration mode, and can perform tissue manipulation without requiring instrument removal, thereby reducing the number of instrument exchanges and improving procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where an inner cannula is positioned within an outer cannula. The inner cannula can reciprocate within the outer cannula to perform cutting functions, while the outer cannula provides structural support and houses the aspiration pathway. This nested configuration allows multiple functions to be integrated in a compact form factor
2Productivity
If the inner cannula reciprocates at high rates for efficient tissue cutting, then productivity is improved, but the seal between inner and outer cannulae must maintain integrity under dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal material is selected and configured to maintain its sealing properties across the range of reciprocation speeds. The semi-solid seal material properties are optimized to provide adequate sealing force during high-rate reciprocation while maintaining structural integrity. The seal geometry is designed to accommodate dynamic movement while preserving the seal between the inner and outer cannulae
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner cannula is made curvable to access difficult-to-reach tissues, then adaptability is improved, but the structural strength and rigidity required for precise cutting may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cannula is divided into multiple segments or articulated sections that can flex relative to each other, allowing the cannula to curve and navigate complex anatomical pathways. The segmented structure maintains sufficient rigidity in each segment to support the cutting function while providing overall flexibility for access to difficult-to-reach tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cannula is designed with a curved or flexible configuration rather than a straight rigid structure. This curvature allows the cannula to follow anatomical contours and access deep or difficult-to-reach tissue locations while maintaining the cutting edge integrity through proper material selection and structural design
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgical corridors are used to reduce patient trauma, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the surgical corridors become deeper and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs curved cannulae that can navigate through deep and tortuous surgical corridors created by minimally invasive approaches. The curved configuration allows the device to follow the natural anatomy and reach deep target tissues through small incisions, reducing patient trauma while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The nested cannula structure allows the device to be inserted through a small access point with the outer cannula providing structural support for navigation through deep corridors, while the inner cannula performs the cutting function once the target tissue is reached
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The device is configured to provide multiple functions during a surgical procedure, in addition to resecting tissue, with a single insertion of the device into a patient.