Tonsillectomy Suction Dissector With Flexible Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tonsillectomy procedures require multiple instruments, leading to complexity and prolongation of the procedure, and existing suction tips often occlude when used near tissues or large blood clots.
Innovation Solution
A tonsillectomy suction dissector apparatus with a proximal handle and a distal curved tip, featuring a suction channel and a flexible cutting blade member that can be configured between extended and retracted positions using a hand-operable locking mechanism, allowing for dual functionality as a suction tip or suction dissector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments (cutting blade, forceps, suction tip) are used for tonsillectomy, then dissection and suction functions are provided, but the procedure becomes complex and prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate instruments (cutting blade, forceps, and suction tip) into a single integrated apparatus. The cutting blade member is positioned at the distal end of the handle alongside the suction channel, allowing both dissection and suction functions to be performed simultaneously with one instrument, thereby reducing procedural complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: the cutting blade member provides dissection capability while the suction channel provides fluid removal capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, directly addressing the contradiction between functional versatility and device complexity
2Productivity
If Yankauer tip is used for suction, then large volumes of fluid can be aspirated, but the tip easily occludes when brought into close approximation with tissues or large blood clots
Solution Approach 1:
The suction inlet ports are positioned at specific locations on the handle - laterally and inferiorly - rather than at the very distal tip. This local repositioning of the suction inlet away from the most critical tissue interaction zone reduces the likelihood of occlusion while maintaining effective suction capability for fluid removal
Solution Approach 2:
The suction inlet ports are arranged in multiple dimensions (laterally and inferiorly) rather than in a single location. This spatial distribution across different dimensions provides multiple suction pathways, reducing the probability that all inlets will be occluded simultaneously, thereby improving reliability while maintaining productivity
3Measurement precision
If cutting blade is extended for dissection, then precise dissection and full visibility are achieved, but the apparatus cannot perform suction simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade member and suction channel are merged into a single apparatus structure. The cutting blade is positioned in a slot at the distal end of the handle, while the suction channel runs alongside it, allowing both functions to coexist and be activated as needed, thus maintaining dissection precision while enabling functional 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
The apparatus enables one-handed dissection and suctioning, reducing blood loss and operation time, while the suction inlet ports' design minimizes occlusion issues, allowing for efficient fluid aspiration and precise dissection.
Implementation Method 1
a suction channel within and along the tip operably connecting at least one suction inlet port located at the end of the tip to a vacuum port of the handle for the suction of fluid in use
Data Source
AI summary
Diathermy tonsillectomy suction dissector apparatus has a body having a proximal handle, a distal curved tip and a diathermy cutting blade member slidably retained within the body to selectively extend from the tip. The diathermy cutting blade member comprises a flexible metallic blade comprising a proximal electrical connector socket and a hand operable electrically insulative position locking mechanism attached to the blade. The locking mechanism is hand operable via apertures and interlocks therewith to position the diathermy cutting blade member between retracted and extended positions and to lock the diathermy cutting blade member at the extended position.