Surgical Cup and Screw for Stabilizing Uterine Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in stabilizing slippery uterine tissue during procedures like hysterectomies, requiring multiple repositioning attempts due to the tissue's size and bulkiness, which complicates manipulation and engagement.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument featuring a shaft assembly with a movable screw and a cup that uses suction to stabilize tissue, combined with a corkscrew-shaped surgical tool that can be advanced and rotated for secure engagement, facilitating manipulation and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical graspers or a screw are used to stabilize uterine tissue, then tissue stabilization is achieved, but multiple repositioning attempts are required due to the slippery nature and bulky shape of the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stabilization function into two distinct components: a cup component that provides initial tissue engagement and positioning, and a screw component that provides secure anchoring. This segmentation allows the cup to first stabilize the bulky tissue mass, making subsequent screw engagement easier and more reliable, thereby reducing repositioning attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The cup component performs preliminary action by engaging and stabilizing the uterine tissue before the screw is deployed. The cup's engagement surfaces and geometry prepare the tissue by positioning it in a favorable orientation, which preliminary stabilizes the slippery tissue and facilitates the subsequent screw engagement without requiring multiple repositioning attempts
2Reliability
If mechanical graspers are used to engage uterine tissue, then tissue engagement is achieved, but the slippery nature of the tissue reduces engagement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cup component acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manipulation and the screw's anchoring function. It provides a stable interface that translates manual manipulation into reliable tissue engagement, mediating the interaction between the slippery tissue and the mechanical components to improve both engagement reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cup component features curved engagement surfaces that conform to the natural geometry of uterine tissue. This curvature allows the cup to cradle and stabilize the bulky tissue mass more effectively than flat or angular surfaces, improving grip on slippery tissue while maintaining ease of manipulation during insertion and positioning
3Measurement precision
If the surgical tool is advanced through the cup, then tissue engagement is achieved, but precise positioning is difficult due to tissue bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The cup component is designed with localized engagement features at its distal end, including specific surface geometries and contact points optimized for stabilizing uterine tissue. This local quality enhancement at the tissue-interface region provides precise positioning reference points that overcome the challenges posed by the overall bulkiness of the uterine tissue, enabling accurate tool placement
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 instrument effectively stabilizes and securely engages uterine tissue, reducing the need for multiple repositioning attempts and enhancing the precision and ease of tissue manipulation during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pump coupled to the stationary member to provide suction to the cup
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a stationary shaft defining a conduit and a movable shaft slidably disposed therein. A surgical tool extends distally from the movable shaft and a cup extends distally from the stationary shaft. The cup includes a body defining one or more channels, an annular rim disposed at the distal end portion thereof and defining a plurality of apertures each in fluid communication with one of the channels, and a cap disposed at the proximal end portion of the body and defining a lumen fluidly coupling the one or more channels with the conduit. A central aperture of the cap slidably receives the surgical tool and/or the movable shaft as the movable shaft slides from a retracted position, wherein the surgical tool is disposed proximally of the distal end portion of the cup, and an extended position, wherein the surgical tool extends through and distally from the cup.