Surgical Tool Exchanger with Pivotable Elbow and Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical tools require frequent exchange during minimally invasive procedures, necessitating multiple incisions and manual handling, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool exchanger system with an elongated base, end effector, and actuator that allows for the retention and release of surgical tools, featuring a pivotable elbow and sliding overtube mechanism to facilitate easy tool exchange within the body, reducing the need for multiple incisions and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If surgical tools are exchanged manually through multiple incisions, then tool exchange can be performed, but procedural time increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is nested within the exchanger device, which itself is inserted through a single incision. The tool can be exchanged within the confined space of the body cavity without removing the exchanger, similar to how nested dolls contain smaller dolls within larger ones. This eliminates the need for multiple incisions and reduces procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchanger device is pre-loaded with a surgical tool before insertion into the patient's body. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid tool exchange by simply actuating the release mechanism, rather than manually manipulating tools outside the body during the procedure. The biasing member automatically positions the tool for engagement, further streamlining the exchange process.
2Ease of operation
If the laparoscope is removed to exchange surgical tools, then tool exchange can be performed, but the number of incisions and manipulation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exchanger device is self-contained with an integrated actuation mechanism that automatically performs the tool exchange function. When the actuator is triggered, the biasing member automatically pushes the surgical tool out of the exchanger and into the patient's body cavity, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by the surgeon. This self-service capability simplifies the exchange process and reduces the number of steps required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are used during the procedure, then surgical functionality is enhanced, but the frequency of tool exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exchanger device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different surgical tools. The end effector with its jaws and biasing member can grip various tool types, and the actuation mechanism works uniformly for all tools. This multi-functionality allows the surgeon to use different surgical instruments during the same procedure without requiring different exchanger devices, reducing exchange frequency and improving versatility.
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
Enables quick and efficient exchange of surgical tools within the body, reducing procedural time and improving surgical precision by allowing for tool changes without removing the laparoscope, thus enhancing the overall surgical workflow.
Implementation Method 1
an overtube that is configured to slide from a first position to a second position over the body and a biasing member that biases the overtube toward the first position
Implementation Method 2
The overtube is configured to, in the first position, press on a collet retaining a shaft of the replaceable surgical tool in a surgical robot
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool exchanger includes an elongated base having a first end and a second end. The surgical tool exchanger also includes an end effector configured to receive a replaceable surgical tool and an elbow configured to allow the end effector to pivot with respect to the elongated base. The surgical tool exchanger further includes an actuator connected to the second end of the elongated base. The actuator is operatively connected to the end effector and is configured to cause the end effector to retain the replaceable surgical tool in a first actuation state and release the replaceable surgical tool in a second actuation state.