Vacuum Capture Tool for Nerve Tissue Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments often damage nerve tissue during manipulation due to the need to pinch or apply direct force, leading to poor repair quality and extended healing times.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum capture-tool is used to suction nerve tissue against a supporting surface without applying direct force, utilizing low-pressure ports to hold the epineurium in place, which can be adjusted for secure manipulation and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard surgical instruments are used to grasp or pinch nerve tissue for manipulation, then the nerve can be held in position for repair, but the internal fascicles and tissue structures are damaged or crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pinching/grasping system with a vacuum-based suction system. The vacuum capture tool uses negative pressure applied through ports to hold the nerve against a supporting surface, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and pinching forces that damage internal fascicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using vacuum pressure (negative pressure) to capture and hold the nerve tissue. The vacuum source creates low-pressure zones at the ports, allowing the nerve to be suctioned and held securely without mechanical compression, thus avoiding damage to internal structures.
2Reliability
If vacuum force is applied to hold nerve tissue against the supporting surface, then secure manipulation is achieved, but tissue may be drawn into the ports causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating low-pressure zones specifically at the ports rather than uniform vacuum across the entire tool surface. This localized vacuum application secures the nerve at the contact points while the supporting surface provides a gentle backing, preventing the nerve from being drawn deeply into the ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting surface acts as a cushioning element positioned before the nerve can be drawn into the ports. This pre-positioned support structure prevents excessive tissue ingestion by providing a physical barrier and distribution surface for the vacuum force.
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
This method allows for safe and secure manipulation of nerve tissue with minimal damage, improving repair quality and reducing healing times by avoiding direct force application.
Implementation Method 1
The capture-tool can be connected to a pump or other device that can create low-pressure or vacuum force at the ports
Implementation Method 2
Placing the ports against a nerve allows the low pressure at the ports to pull or suction the outside of the nerve, or the epineurium, against the ports
Data Source
AI summary
A capture-tool for manipulation of tissue utilizes vacuum to hold the tissue in place. An extension attached to a vacuum source at one end and a vacuum arm at another end creates a vacuum force through the extension and vacuum arm. The vacuum arm has a support surface with ports therein at which low pressure areas are formed by the vacuum force. The low pressure areas draw tissue against the supporting surface to hold it in place, as long as the vacuum force is active.