Patient-Referenced Surgical Support Frame for Multi-Instrument Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery is limited by the inability to control and position multiple surgical instruments simultaneously due to independent trocar positions, requiring additional surgeons or assistants to maintain instrument alignment and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A patient-referenced surgical support frame with adjustable linkages and locking mechanisms that allows for polyaxial movement and fixation of multiple cannulas and instruments, enabling efficient positioning and control of multiple surgical instruments relative to each other and the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent trocars are used to access the abdominal cavity, then access to multiple instruments is improved, but control and positioning of the instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent trocars into a single integrated support frame structure. The frame unifies the positioning of multiple trocars and instruments, allowing them to be controlled as a coordinated system rather than independent elements. This merging enables the surgeon to manipulate multiple instruments simultaneously while maintaining precise control over their positions and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic repositioning of trocars and instruments. The frame can be configured in different orientations and positions, and instruments can be selectively released or locked into place. This dynamic capability enables the surgeon to adapt the instrument positions in real-time while maintaining overall control of the multi-instrument system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more than two trocars are used, then surgical capability is improved, but manual control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and multiple surgical instruments. Rather than the surgeon directly controlling each instrument individually, the frame serves as a mediator that holds and positions multiple instruments in a coordinated manner. This intermediary structure enables the surgeon to control three or more instruments simultaneously by manipulating the frame as a unified system.
3Ease of operation
If additional surgeons or assistants are used to hold instruments, then instrument positioning is improved, but procedural complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed to self-position and self-stabilize multiple instruments without requiring additional personnel. The frame structure inherently maintains instrument positions through its mechanical design, including locking mechanisms and adjustable components that hold instruments in place autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional surgeons or assistants to manually hold or position instruments, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining precise instrument positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient-referenced surgical support frame (100) and method of use are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical support frame can have at least three support members (106) coupled by adjustable linkages (104). Each support member can have a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a cannula (202), and each support member can be configured such that the at least three support members (or the cannulas extending therethrough) are angularly adjustable relative to one another, and such that a distance between each of the at least three support members is adjustable. In use, the surgical support frame can be positioned on a skin surface of a patient and used to retain one or more instruments extending through the support members in a fixed orientation or position with respect to the patient, thereby allowing more than two instruments to be used simultaneously.