Surgical Instrument Latch Release for Sterile Adapter Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgical procedures, teleoperated surgical instruments face challenges in maintaining a sterile environment due to the inability to sterilize motors, sensors, and electrical connections using conventional methods, and there is a need for a quick and reliable way to attach and detach instruments while preventing contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sterile drape with an instrument sterile adapter (ISA) and latch mechanism is used to secure surgical instruments to a teleoperated actuator, ensuring a sterile coupling point and allowing for easy exchange of instruments during surgery, utilizing a latch plate with flexible latch arms and connecting members for secure attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If teleoperated actuators with motors, sensors, and electrical connections are used to control surgical instruments, then control precision and automation are improved, but the ability to maintain sterile conditions deteriorates because these components cannot be sterilized using conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct segments: a sterile disposable instrument unit and a non-sterile reusable actuator unit. The instrument with its shaft and end effector can be sterilized independently, while the actuator with sensitive electronics remains outside the sterile field. This segmentation allows each component to be treated according to its sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile adapter or interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the sterile instrument and the non-sterile actuator. This interface allows mechanical coupling for force transmission while maintaining a sterile barrier, enabling the actuator to control the instrument without direct contact with the sterile surgical field.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical instruments are frequently attached and detached from the same instrument holder during surgery, then instrument versatility is improved, but the time required for instrument exchange and risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instruments are pre-loaded into instrument holders positioned within easy reach of the surgical site. The latch mechanism is designed with preliminary alignment features that guide the instrument into the correct position before engagement, allowing surgeons to quickly exchange instruments without complex alignment procedures or prolonged exposure of the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded arms and movable locking surfaces that automatically engage when the instrument is inserted and can be quickly released with a simple actuating motion. This dynamic design enables rapid instrument exchange while maintaining secure attachment during use.
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 solution maintains a sterile environment by preventing contamination of teleoperated actuators and enables quick and reliable attachment of surgical instruments, facilitating efficient instrument exchange during procedures without compromising sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a locking surface
Implementation Method 2
The fixed latch structure provides a lead-in ramp that forces the resilient latch arm onto the locking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument comprises an instrument control surface configured to mate with an instrument sterile adapter to receive input drive forces through the sterile adapter to control actuation of the surgical instrument, the instrument control surface comprising a first opening defined in the instrument control surface. A latch structure of the instrument comprises a locking surface configured to engage a latch arm in response to the latch arm being received in the opening, wherein in an engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface the medical instrument is attached to the instrument sterile adapter and the latch structure prevents movement of the latch arm in a first direction. A latch release is moveable in the engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface to exert a force causing movement of the latch arm in a second direction to disengage the latch arm from the locking surface.