Microdebrider Swaged Tube Layout for Clog-Resistant Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microdebriders experience clogging issues due to tissue build-up at choke points between the middle and outer tubes, requiring manual intervention, and inefficient tissue direction during cutting and suction processes.
Innovation Solution
A microdebrider design with a concentric inner and middle tube configuration, featuring a swaged portion to maintain a constant inner diameter and peak-to-peak tooth alignment to draw tissue proximally into the lumen, combined with a channel for fluid passage to enhance cutting and suction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the middle tube has a reduced inner diameter at the distal junction, then the device structure is simplified, but tissue build-up and clogging occur at choke points
Solution Approach 1:
The middle tube is designed with different inner diameters at different locations: a reduced inner diameter at the proximal end and an increased inner diameter at the distal junction area. This local variation in geometry eliminates choke points where tissue would otherwise accumulate, while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If the blade geometry pushes tissue distally during rotation, then cutting action is achieved, but additional suction is required to force tissue into the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing tissue distally away from the cutting site, the blade geometry is designed to push tissue proximally toward the cutting site. This inverted tissue transport direction eliminates the need for additional suction energy to force tissue into the instrument, as the cutting action itself directs tissue into the cutting path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner tube has variable inner diameter, then adaptation to tissue types is improved, but choke points are created requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube maintains a constant inner diameter along its substantial length, eliminating variable diameter sections that would create choke points. This uniform geometry prevents tissue accumulation and eliminates the need for manual intervention to clear clogs, while still allowing effective cutting across different tissue types.
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
Reduces the risk of clogging and enhances tissue cutting efficiency by maintaining a constant inner diameter and directing tissue proximally into the suction path, facilitating smoother surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the lumen is adapted to connect to a suction source
Implementation Method 2
a channel is defined between the concentric inner and middle tubes along a length thereof for passing a fluid therealong
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removing tissue includes a housing having an outer tube extending therefrom including an axis defined therealong. A middle tube is supported within the outer tube having an opening at a distal end with an edge. The middle tube includes a swage proximate the area of engagement between the middle and outer tubes. An inner tube is disposed within the middle tube and includes an opening having teeth at a distal end in registration with the opening in the middle tube, the inner tube rotates relative to the middle tube and the teeth, and the edge cooperate to cut tissue. A lumen is defined through the inner tube and extends from the opening to a suction source. The swage of the middle tube and the increased inner diameter associated therewith allows the inner tube to maintain a constant inner diameter along a length thereof, reducing choke points along the lumen.