Surgical Cannula Tool Manipulation for Lumbar Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments for minimally invasive procedures, such as microdiscectomy, lack dexterity and vision, leading to discomfort and potential damage during operations in the lumbar region due to their rigidity and limited flexibility, and existing robotic systems are limited by size, cost, and sterilization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cannula with multiple ports and a translation and rotation mechanism for tools, allowing for precise manipulation and improved dexterity within confined spaces, using a combination of flexible joints and additive manufacturing for cost-effective and customizable working elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid surgical instruments are used to achieve stable orientation in confined lumbar spaces, then positional stability is improved, but dexterity and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from rigid, fixed-orientation instruments to flexible instruments with adjustable orientation. The flexible instrument can dynamically change its configuration to adapt to different anatomical structures while maintaining stable positioning when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the instrument by introducing flexibility and adjustability. The instrument can modify its shape, angle, and orientation parameters in response to surgical needs, allowing it to maintain stability in confined spaces while achieving the dexterity required for precise manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid tools are used to achieve required orientations in minimally invasive procedures, then orientation capability is improved, but tissue damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible instruments that can bend and conform to anatomical structures rather than forcing rigid orientations. This flexibility allows the instrument to achieve required orientations through compliant deformation, reducing mechanical stress and damage to surrounding soft tissue and nerve roots.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible instrument can dynamically adjust its orientation in response to tissue resistance, allowing it to navigate confined spaces without imposing rigid forces on delicate structures. This dynamic adaptation reduces harmful mechanical interactions while maintaining orientation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible instruments with small diameter are used to access confined spaces, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves small diameter and flexibility by changing material parameters and structural configuration. Using flexible materials and optimized cross-sectional geometries allows the instrument to attain the required adaptability for confined space access while maintaining manufacturability through conventional processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing surgical procedures. Such a system includes a cannula having proximal and distal portions. At least one carriage unit is slidably mounted within the proximal portion of the cannula for translation in axial directions of the cannula, and a tool has a shaft that is coupled to the carriage unit and protrudes through a port at the distal portion of the cannula. The tool has a working element mounted on a portion of the shaft that protrudes from the cannula to perform tasks within the cavity. A translation mechanism is provided for translating the carriage unit and its tool in the axial directions of the cannula, and a rotation mechanism is provided for rotating the tool about an axis of its shaft and relative to the first carriage unit. Rotation and translation mechanisms of each carriage unit are preferably individually and independently controlled.