Multi-Config Surgical Tool Tip Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical tools typically serve a single function, limiting their versatility in surgical procedures, particularly in situations where multiple functions like tissue cutting and electrocautery are required, especially when limited lateral access is involved.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with interchangeable configurations, including forceps, scissors, and probe, allowing for transition between these functions by rotating tips within their recesses, enabling tissue dissection, cutting, and electrocautery without the need for tool exchange during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single surgical tool is used for one specific function, then the tool's reliability for that function is improved, but the versatility for performing multiple surgical functions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is designed with a universal handle that can accommodate multiple interchangeable tips (forceps tip, scissors tip, probe tip), allowing a single tool to perform multiple surgical functions including tissue manipulation, cutting, and probing, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are used for different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and need for tool exchange is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple surgical tools with different functions are merged into a single multi-functional device by integrating various tips (forceps, scissors, probe) that can be interchanged on a common handle, reducing the number of separate tools needed and simplifying tool management during surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are used for different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the time required for tool removal and reinsertion is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tool configuration is made dynamic through a quick-release mechanism that allows the surgical tip to be rapidly exchanged on the handle during the procedure, enabling fast transitions between different surgical functions without time-consuming removal and reinsertion of entire tools
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
Enhances surgical efficiency and safety by providing multiple functions in a single handheld device, reducing the need for tool removal and reinsertion, thus minimizing the risk of injury and improving usability in various surgical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first inner surface and the second inner surface are configured to abut each other during rotation of the first tip and the second tip within their respective recesses to transition the surgical tool between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration
Implementation Method 2
the first tip comprises a first electrode and the second tip comprises a second electrode. In some embodiments, the first tip and the second tip are configured to interact as electrocautery bipolar forceps in the first configuration
Implementation Method 3
Electrosurgical devices most commonly involve radiofrequency (RF) energy wherein a voltage gradient is produced between two points and current flows through the tissue, dissipating energy as heat
Implementation Method 4
In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the first and second inner surfaces are configured to shear past each other
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.