Transoral Robotic Surgery Spatula Design for Enhanced Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractors and tools do not provide adequate line-of-sight or range of motion for Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), limiting access for robotic tools in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx, and resulting in insufficient access for deeper portions of the throat.
Innovation Solution
A spatula with a handle and blade design featuring upward concavity, lobed protrusions, and adjustable positioning to accommodate robotic arms, along with expanded frame struts and repositioned control mechanisms for improved access and motion control during TORS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional retractors and spatulas are used, then the surgical framework is simple and easy to manufacture, but the line-of-sight and range of motion for robotic tools are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor system is divided into separate functional components: a stable base frame and an adjustable robotic arm assembly. This segmentation allows the frame to remain simple while the robotic components provide enhanced line-of-sight and range of motion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable angles and heights, allowing the spatula and optical components to be repositioned during surgery. This dynamic adjustment provides improved line-of-sight and range of motion without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional laser surgery is performed with optics placed outside the mouth, then the surgical approach is straightforward, but line-of-sight issues and limited range of motion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary carrier that brings both the optical system and surgical tools directly into the oral cavity. This intermediary structure eliminates the line-of-sight problems associated with external optics by positioning the camera and laser within the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional external optics to three-dimensional internal positioning. By placing the optical components and tools within the oral cavity space, the system achieves superior visualization and access from multiple angles simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If conventional spatulas are used to hold open the patient's mouth, then the device structure is simple, but insufficient access to deeper portions of the throat is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The spatula blade is equipped with dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow it to be adjusted to different lengths and angles. This enables the spatula to reach deeper portions of the throat while maintaining proper positioning and control during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards tools for use in performing surgery or examination via the oral cavity, in particular in the region of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx, devices and systems incorporating these tools, and procedures using these tools. More specifically, the tools, devices, systems and procedures are directed towards Transoral Robotic Surgery or any non-robotic transoral surgical approach.