Surgical Clip With Complementary Stop Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical clips used as implants, particularly aneurysm clips, face challenges in maintaining precise closing force over time and risk of deformation due to improper application, leading to potential patient safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of complementary stop elements on the clip branches to prevent excessive opening and ensure the spring-elastic element operates within its elastic range, using designs such as prism structures or elongated openings to guide and align the branches, and positioning elements for secure tool placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different clip-setting pliers are provided to match different clips, then the closing force can be precisely maintained, but the risk of mixing up forceps increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into two clip branches with distinct stop elements (positive and negative structures) that can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing each branch to have specific geometric features for alignment and stopping
Solution Approach 2:
The clip structure itself provides the stopping function through complementary stop elements on the clip branches, eliminating the need for external pliers with integrated stopping mechanisms. The clip self-regulates its opening through the positive-negative stop element interaction
2Ease of operation
If the clip is opened beyond maximum permissible opening, then the spring-elastic element can be stressed beyond elastic range, but the closing force is compromised and patient safety is at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary stop elements are pre-configured on the clip branches to prevent excessive opening before it can occur. The positive stop element on one branch engages with the negative stop element on the other branch, creating a preliminary barrier that stops the opening action before plastic deformation can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The stop elements are designed and positioned in advance during manufacturing to define the maximum permissible opening. This preliminary configuration ensures that during clip application, the stopping function is already in place and does not require real-time adjustment or monitoring
3Ease of operation
If the clip branches are not guided properly, then lateral deflection can occur during application, but precise alignment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The stop elements are designed with asymmetric positive and negative structures that provide directional guidance. The positive prism structure on one branch engages with the corresponding negative structure on the other branch, creating asymmetric geometric constraints that guide alignment in the correct direction while preventing lateral deflection
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
Ensures consistent and safe application of surgical clips by limiting the maximum opening and maintaining the specified closing force, reducing the risk of deformation and ensuring precise alignment, regardless of the clip application pliers used.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-elastic element (26) that connects the two clip branches (14, 16) at one of their ends (22, 24)
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to create a surgical clip which is easy to handle and can also be used safely as an implant, a clip is proposed which has two clip branches and a spring-elastic element by means of which the two clip branches are connected to each other, wherein the two clip branches each have a first free end, which, when the clip is in a rest position, are held with a predefined closing force by the spring-elastic element such that same are seated parallel against each other. The clip branches are held at the respective second end thereof, which is opposite the free end, on the spring-elastic element, and between the first and second ends the clip branches have sections which cross each other. The clip branches also have stop elements which are designed to complement each other and can be moved so as to be seated against each other when the clip is transferred from the rest position to an application position in which the free ends of the clip branches are spaced from each other.