Universal Handle With Coding Mechanism For Surgical Clip Applicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical clip applicators are inflexible, requiring multiple handle and clip magazine combinations for different clip types, leading to clutter and inefficiency in the operating room, and necessitating multiple reusable handles to be sterilized.
Innovation Solution
A universal handle with an integrated power transmission gear and adaptable mechanism, paired with a clip magazine featuring a coding mechanism and limit stops, allows for the use of various clip types and sizes with a single handle, reducing the need for multiple handles and improving handling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handles and clip magazines are used for different clip types, then the clip applicator can accommodate various clip types, but the operating room becomes cluttered and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of clip magazines through a standardized mounting mechanism. The power transmission gear is configured to work with different magazine configurations, allowing a single handle to perform multiple functions with different clip types without requiring separate handles for each clip variety.
2Reliability
If multiple handles are used for different clip types, then each clip type can be applied correctly, but the number of handles requiring sterilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single handle is designed to be universally compatible with multiple clip magazine types through a standardized mounting interface. The power transmission gear and actuation mechanism are configured to work with different magazine configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized handles and reducing sterilization requirements while maintaining reliable clip application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a reusable handle component and disposable or exchangeable clip magazine components. This segmentation allows the handle to remain a single universal unit that can be sterilized once, while different clip types are loaded into separate magazines that can be quickly exchanged without requiring handle replacement or re-sterilization.
3Device complexity
If a fixed power transmission gear is used in the handle, then the handle structure is simplified, but it cannot adapt to different clip magazine configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission gear is designed with adjustable or reconfigurable characteristics that allow it to adapt to different clip magazine configurations. The gear mechanism includes elements that can be positioned or adjusted to match the specific requirements of different magazine types, maintaining a relatively simple overall structure while providing necessary adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical clip applicator, comprising a universal handle and an individual clip magazine having an integrated crimping head, which individual clip magazine can be detachably fastened to the universal handle. The universal handle and the individual clip magazine fastened thereto interact in order to form a feed path for the clip transport of individual clips from a clip-accommodating segment of the clip magazine to the crimping head, which feed path is defined or individually available for actuation. According to the invention, the individual clip magazine can be selected from a plurality of clip magazines for different clip types as needed, wherein the clip magazine has an integrated coding mechanism designed in dependence on the clip type to be applied, which coding mechanism defines at least the feed path adapted to the respective clip type in interaction with the universal handle.