Surgical Instrument Disassembly for Reprocessing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reprocessing of multi-function surgical instruments is challenging due to their complex design, which makes efficient disassembly, cleaning, component replacement, refurbishment, reassembly, and sterilization difficult.

Innovation Solution

A method involving various tools and techniques such as set screws, pry tools, separator tools, lasso loops, and removal tools is provided to disengage and remove components like cover plates and bodies from input shafts, facilitating the disassembly of surgical instruments, allowing for effective reprocessing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to provide multiple surgical tasks, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is divided into separable components including a reusable housing and input shaft, and a disposable paddle assembly. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional instrument to be broken into manageable parts that can be independently processed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality through the integrated paddle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-function surgical instruments are designed with additional components, then versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is manufactured as separate modules (housing with input shaft, and paddle assembly) that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. This modular manufacturing approach simplifies production of each component while achieving versatile functionality through their combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The paddle assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be manufactured more simply and economically than a fully reusable multi-functional instrument. This allows versatility to be achieved at lower manufacturing cost and complexity by accepting that the disposable portion will be discarded after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If surgical instruments are designed for reprocessing, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separable design with standardized interfaces between the housing and paddle assembly enables efficient disassembly and reprocessing procedures. The clear separation of reusable and disposable components streamlines the reprocessing workflow, making it more productive despite the additional manual steps required for disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10828756B2Disassembly methods facilitating reprocessing of multi-function surgical instruments

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A method of disassembling a surgical instrument includes obtaining a surgical instrument including a housing, an input shaft defining an axis and extending from the housing, and a paddle engaged with the input shaft and configured to pivot about the axis. The method further includes disengaging a cover plate of the paddle from a body of the paddle by providing a force to the cover plate substantially in a direction parallel to the axis and disengaging the body from the input shaft by providing a force to the body substantially in a direction parallel to the axis.