Surgical Instrument Coupling Device with Roller Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments face limitations in reaching remote tissue sites due to rigid insertion shafts, leading to restricted operational range and increased risk of tissue trauma or perforation during deep insertion into the colon.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system featuring a coupling device with roller elements that allows the surgical instrument to slide along an elongate insertion device, reducing friction and enabling deeper, safer insertion by using a flexible backbone and detachable connections for improved control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid insertion shaft is used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the operational range is restricted and the risk of tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is divided into a flexible insertion shaft and a separate surgical instrument component that can be coupled and decoupled. The insertion shaft contains flexible elements that allow bending and adaptation to anatomical structures, while the surgical instrument maintains its functional integrity through modular design with coupling devices at both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion shaft is constructed with flexible materials and structures that enable it to bend and conform to the curvature of anatomical passages such as the colon. This flexibility allows the instrument to reach remote tissue sites without causing trauma, while the modular coupling devices maintain structural strength when connected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the insertion shaft is made flexible to reach remote sites, then the operational range is improved, but the risk of tissue injury and perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be attached to the surgical instrument before insertion, ensuring proper alignment and secure connection prior to navigating through anatomical passages. This preliminary coupling prevents misalignment and reduces the risk of tissue injury during insertion and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary component between the flexible insertion shaft and the surgical instrument. It provides a secure mechanical interface that distributes forces evenly, prevents slippage, and maintains proper positioning, thereby reducing the risk of tissue trauma during navigation and operation.
3Length of moving object
If a flexible backbone is used instead of rigid shaft, then deeper insertion is enabled, but the control and stability during operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic modular coupling system. The coupling device allows for controlled movement and adjustment during insertion and operation, enabling the flexible insertion shaft to adapt to anatomical curvature while maintaining stable connection to the surgical instrument for precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-attached to the surgical instrument with proper alignment before insertion begins. This preliminary setup ensures that control forces applied by the operator are effectively transmitted to the surgical instrument even through the flexible insertion shaft, maintaining operational stability throughout the procedure.
4Strength
If the surgical instrument is made bulky to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the risk of tissue trauma during passage through narrow ducts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is segmented into modular components including the functional element, coupling devices, and flexible insertion shaft. This segmentation allows the functional element to maintain its structural integrity and strength while the overall system profile is reduced to fit through narrow anatomical passages. The modular design enables the instrument to be assembled and disassembled as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument components are designed to nest within each other or within the insertion shaft when not in use. The coupling devices and functional elements can be collapsed or retracted into a compact configuration that fits through narrow ducts, while expanding to full functional size when deployed at the target site, thereby preventing tissue trauma during passage.
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 enables controlled, low-friction delivery of surgical instruments deep into the colon, minimizing the risk of tissue trauma and perforation, while allowing for precise positioning and easy instrument exchange.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling device includes one or more roller elements configured to rollably contact the insertion device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A deployment system for introducing a surgical instrument (2) in a patients body by means of an elongate insertion device (8) which can be inserted in the patients body includes a coupling device (9, 15, 21) connectable with the surgical instrument (2) and shiftably connectable with the insertion device (8) such that the surgical instrument (2) can slide along the insertion device (8) in a guided manner, wherein the coupling device (9) includes one or more roller elements (10) configured to rollably contact the insertion device (8).