Versatile Surgical Handle for Thoracic Orientation Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical intervention devices with pistol grip or scissor handles are cumbersome for thoracic surgery, requiring surgeons to position their forearm vertically, which can be uncomfortable and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A medical intervention device with a versatile handle that allows for both horizontal and vertical orientations, featuring a scissor grip with actuation interfaces that remain accessible in both positions, enabling the use of end effectors like jaws and a cutting blade, and incorporating mechanisms for translating arm motion to jaw motion and providing energy actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pistol grip or scissor handle is used for thoracic surgery, then the device can perform surgical functions, but the surgeon must position the forearm vertically which causes discomfort and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is made dynamically reconfigurable through a rotation mechanism that allows transition between vertical and horizontal orientations. The distal portion can rotate relative to the handle about a rotation axis, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on surgical needs and surgeon comfort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both vertical and horizontal orientations. The actuation interfaces are positioned to remain accessible in both orientations, and the distal portion can be rotated to different angular positions, making the single handle design universal for various surgical scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is designed for vertical orientation only, then it works for thoracic surgery, but it cannot be used in other orientations which limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows the distal portion to rotate relative to the handle about a rotation axis. This dynamic capability enables the device to transition between vertical and horizontal orientations without requiring multiple separate handles, thus increasing versatility while controlling complexity through a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional capabilities (vertical orientation, horizontal orientation, rotation control) are merged into a single handle assembly. The actuation interfaces and control mechanisms are integrated to work across different orientations, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one versatile unit.
3Ease of operation
If the distal portion is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the surgeon cannot adjust the orientation which reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The distal portion is made dynamically adjustable through a rotation mechanism that allows it to rotate relative to the handle about a rotation axis. This enables the surgeon to control and adjust the orientation of the distal portion during the procedure, providing operational flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical intervention device may include a distal end comprising a pair of jaws and a handle operably coupled to the distal end. The handle may include a pair of pivoting finger arms each having at least one finger loop, the pivoting finger arms being configured for opening and closing the pair of jaws at the distal end. The handle may also include at least one actuation interface arranged on the handle and in a position distal to the pair of finger arms.