Endoscopic Vessel Dissector Transparent Tip Glare Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic vessel harvesting systems are complex and do not adequately simplify the operation or improve surgical outcomes, particularly in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of an endoscopic vessel harvesting system with improved components such as a vessel dissector featuring an elongated cannula with a lumen for an endoscope, insufflation gas passage, and a fluid barrier to prevent fluid ingress, along with tools like a transparent conical tip, vessel holding tool, and vessel severing tool, allowing for efficient dissection and harvesting of vessels while minimizing complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional endoscopic vessel harvesting systems are used, then vessel harvesting can be performed, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to manage in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vessel harvesting tools (dissector, holding tool, severing tool) into a single integrated endoscopic system with a common cannula and control mechanism, reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying operational complexity while maintaining full harvesting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscopic system is designed to perform multiple vessel harvesting functions through a single unified platform that can accommodate different tools for dissection, holding, and severing operations, making the system versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
2Illumination intensity
If traditional vessel harvesting methods are used, then vessels can be harvested, but clear visualization in limited spaces is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is nested within the cannula structure of the endoscopic system, allowing the optical components to be housed within the existing device framework without requiring separate external imaging equipment, thereby improving visualization while avoiding additional external device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the surgical field and the surgeon's view, providing enhanced visualization of the vessel harvesting process in the limited endoscopic space without requiring direct line-of-sight access
3Reliability
If insufflation ports are provided in the cannula, then insufflation gas can be delivered, but fluid may ingress into the passage
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is positioned at the distal end of the cannula to cover the insufflation port, allowing the membrane to selectively permit gas passage while blocking fluid ingress, thereby protecting the insufflation system from contamination without requiring complex mechanical valves or seals
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane material is designed with selective permeability properties that allow it to differentiate between gas and fluid phases, permitting insufflation gas to pass through while preventing bodily fluids from entering the cannula passage, ensuring system reliability
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 system enables simple and convenient operation in limited spaces, improving surgical efficiency and outcomes by facilitating clear visualization, precise dissection, and effective vessel handling, reducing the risk of complications and improving endoscopic viewing.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid barrier covers the port that permits expulsion of insufflation gas from the passage within the elongated cannula and prevents ingress of fluid from outside the elongated cannula through the port to the passage
Data Source
AI summary
Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end. The tool for manipulating vessels may have a low-profile for increased visibility of operation, and may be coupled to the cannula with a damping mechanism to reduce the possibility of avulsion of the vessels. Various vessel cutting and sealing devices are provided that may accommodate various sizes of vessels and improve cutting and sealing efficacy.