Three-Prong Laparoscopic Grasper Tissue Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-prong laparoscopic graspers provide limited security and purchase on tissue due to minimal surface area contact, restricting effective manipulation during minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A three-prong laparoscopic grasper design featuring an elongate body with a sleeve and end effector, including three pivotally secured prong assemblies that can move between open and closed configurations, allowing for greater surface area contact and secure tissue engagement through a drive shaft mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-prong graspers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but security and purchase on tissue deteriorate due to minimal surface area contact
Solution Approach 1:
The grasper is segmented into three separate prong members instead of two, with each prong independently pivotable about its own axis. This segmentation allows each prong to independently engage tissue, increasing overall security and purchase while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear closing motion by allowing each prong to pivot about its own axis in addition to the common closing movement. This dimensional addition enables multi-axis tissue engagement, significantly improving security and purchase without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If two-prong graspers are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but tissue manipulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple prong closing actions are merged into a single trigger actuation. The common closing mechanism causes all three prongs to move toward closed configuration simultaneously, while individual pivot mechanisms allow independent tissue engagement. This merging maintains ease of operation with single-handed control while dramatically improving tissue manipulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The grasper incorporates dynamic pivot joints that allow each prong to adapt its angle and orientation during closing. This dynamic adjustment enables the prongs to conform to irregular tissue surfaces, enhancing manipulation effectiveness while requiring minimal additional operator input
Data Source
AI summary
A three-prong grasper for laparoscopic procedures includes an elongate body having a sleeve with a distal portion, and an end effector supported on the distal portion. The end effector includes a first prong assembly with a first base member and a first prong member pivotally secured to the first base member, a second prong assembly with a second base member and a second prong member pivotally secured to the second base member, and a third prong assembly with a third base member and a third prong member pivotally secured to the third base member. The first, second, and third prong members move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A method of grasping tissue also includes pivoting first, second, and/or third prong members relative to respective first, second, and third base members to cause the grasping of tissue.