TMJ Arthroscopy Guide Device for Cannula Orientation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

During TMJ arthroscopy procedures, accurately inserting and positioning the second cannula relative to the first cannula is challenging, especially when not inserted perpendicularly, leading to difficulties in maintaining the relative orientation of the cannulae, which can result in trauma and excess fluid leakage, and may necessitate reinsertion, potentially suspending the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A guide device with a working channel holder and an irrigation channel holder, connected by a system of parallel-axis revolute joints and parallelograms, allows for precise adjustment and fixation of the cannulae's intersection angle, enabling accurate placement and maintaining the necessary orientation for continuous visualization and tool access within the TMJ.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the second cannula is inserted at an angle (non-perpendicular) to the first cannula, then the surgical access flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of proper positioning and maintaining relative orientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical access flexibilityVSAvoiddifficulty of proper positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A guide device is introduced as an intermediary tool that facilitates the insertion and positioning of the second cannula at non-perpendicular angles. The guide device includes a guide body with a guide channel that receives the second cannula, and a positioning mechanism that ensures accurate angular orientation relative to the first cannula, thereby enabling flexible surgical access while simplifying the positioning process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the second cannula before actual insertion into the TMJ. The positioning mechanism pre-establishes the correct angular relationship between the two cannulae, allowing the surgeon to insert the second cannula at the desired non-perpendicular angle without difficulty during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the second cannula is improperly inserted, then the procedure time increases due to reinsertion, but the trauma and fluid leakage to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoidtrauma and fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including markers, indicators, or transparent portions that allow the surgeon to verify the correct positioning and angular orientation of the second cannula relative to the first cannula during insertion. This real-time feedback ensures proper insertion on the first attempt, avoiding reinsertion and its associated harms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device provides protective guidance during the insertion process, cushioning against improper positioning through its structured guide channels and positioning mechanisms. This preventive approach ensures that even if the surgeon lacks experience with non-perpendicular insertion, the device itself prevents traumatic misalignment and excessive fluid leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the relative orientation of the two cannulae is not maintained, then the field of view for observation is improved, but the ability to continuously visualize the tool tip is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidcontinuous visualization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the surgeon to modify the angular orientation and relative positioning of the two cannulae during the procedure while maintaining the intersection point within the observation device's field of view. This dynamic adjustability provides both varied surgical access angles and continuous visualization of the tool tip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11517348B2Guide device suitable for performing temporomandibular joint arthroscopy

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RES INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A guide device for TMJ arthroscopy including one or more pairs of arms pivotly connected at one end to a working cannula holder and defining a working cannula axis; and at the opposite end to at one or more arms via one or more pivot connections to form with the arm one or more adjustable parallelograms, an end of the arm is connected to an irrigation cannula holder defining an irrigation cannula axis, the irrigation cannula axis intersecting with the working cannula axis at an intersection, intersection and one or more of the pivot connections between connecting the arms are located at opposing vertices of one or more of the adjustable parallelograms.