Surgical Forceps with Integrated Light Conductor for Tissue Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face inefficiencies due to the need to switch between multiple instruments during laparoscopic procedures, which increases time and complexity, and challenges in identifying and removing target tissue, such as endometriosis, without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lighting system within surgical instruments, including a light emitter and conductor, to illuminate target tissue directly, reducing the need for additional instruments and facilitating the identification and removal of target tissue through various wavelengths of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for laparoscopic procedures, then surgical functionality is comprehensive, but procedural time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, illumination, and dye delivery) into a single integrated forceps instrument. The forceps integrates a light emitter for illumination, a dye delivery system for tissue identification, and cutting/coagulation capabilities, allowing all these functions to be performed through one instrument rather than requiring multiple separate tools inserted through different ports or requiring instrument exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical forceps is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform cutting, coagulation, illumination, and tissue identification/dye delivery. This universal design allows the single instrument to replace multiple specialized instruments, reducing the number of incisions needed and eliminating instrument switching during procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for laparoscopic procedures, then surgical functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, illumination, and dye delivery) into a single integrated forceps instrument. The forceps integrates a light emitter for illumination, a dye delivery system for tissue identification, and cutting/coagulation capabilities, allowing all these functions to be performed through one instrument rather than requiring multiple separate tools inserted through different ports or requiring instrument exchanges.
3Measurement precision
If dyes are used to identify endometrium tissue, then tissue identification accuracy improves, but additional instruments are required to deliver light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (cutting, coagulation, illumination, and dye delivery) into a single integrated forceps instrument. The forceps integrates a light emitter for illumination, a dye delivery system for tissue identification, and cutting/coagulation capabilities, allowing all these functions to be performed through one instrument rather than requiring multiple separate tools inserted through different ports or requiring instrument exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical forceps is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform cutting, coagulation, illumination, and tissue identification/dye delivery. This universal design allows the single instrument to replace multiple specialized instruments, reducing the number of incisions needed and eliminating instrument switching during procedures.
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
This integration reduces procedural time, minimizes tissue damage, and enhances tissue contrast, allowing for more precise and efficient surgical procedures with reduced recovery time for patients.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter connected to the light conductor to emit light from the light conductor toward the surgical tool
Implementation Method 2
a light conductor extending into the proximal portion and at least partially through the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device comprises a shaft extending between proximal and distal portions, a surgical tool located at the distal portion, a handpiece located at the proximal portion, a lumen extending through the shaft from the proximal portion to the surgical tool, a light conductor extending into the proximal portion and at least partially through the shaft, and a light emitter connected to the light conductor to emit light from the light conductor toward the surgical tool. A method for illuminating dye while performing a laparoscopic surgical procedure comprises making an incision in a patient to form a laparoscopic port, marking target tissue for removal with a dye, inserting a laparoscopic device into the port, emitting light from a light source, passing the light through the laparoscopic device to illuminate the target tissue within the patient, and removing the target tissue with a surgical tool attached to the laparoscopic device.