Arthroscopic Washer Extractor With Flanged Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
During arthroscopic procedures, retained washers with flat profiles are difficult to grasp and remove due to their flat profile, often remaining in the patient when attempting to remove surgically placed screws.
Innovation Solution
An arthroscopic washer extractor device comprising a handle, an actuator pivotable relative to the handle, a shaft connected to the actuator, and a pair of jaws with radially outwardly extending flanges, which can be opened to engage and remove a washer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional removal methods are used, then the procedure time is extended, but the device complexity remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor device is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for operator control, a shaft for transmission, an actuator for motion conversion, and jaws for grasping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve efficient washer removal through arthroscopic ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator converts rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion of the jaws, creating a dynamic grasping mechanism. The jaws move between open and closed positions dynamically, enabling them to effectively grasp and extract the washer through the constrained arthroscopic pathway.
2Reliability
If the washer is not grasped properly, then the removal fails, but increasing grasp force may damage surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws feature radially outwardly extending flanges that concentrate the grasping force locally on the washer surface. This localized force application ensures reliable washer engagement while distributing stress away from surrounding tissues, preventing damage during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially outwardly extending flanges on the jaws provide a curved surface geometry that matches the contour of the washer. This curved contact surface increases the contact area and distributes force evenly across the washer, improving grasping reliability while minimizing stress concentration that could damage adjacent tissues.
3Ease of operation
If the jaws remain closed during insertion, then the washer can be grasped, but the jaws cannot be opened to engage the washer properly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is pre-configured to automatically open the jaws upon engagement with the washer, eliminating the need for separate manual jaw opening steps. This preliminary action sequence ensures the jaws are in the correct open position for effective washer engagement, streamlining the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is designed to automatically transition the jaws from closed to open state through its own operational cycle, without requiring additional manual manipulation by the operator. This self-service mechanism reduces procedural steps and maintains efficiency while ensuring proper jaw positioning for washer engagement.
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 device allows for efficient and trauma-minimizing removal of retained washers by effectively grasping and extracting them through a minimally invasive approach.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operatively engaged with the actuator and biasing the actuator towards the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
An arthroscopic washer extractor including a handle, an actuator pivotable relative to the handle and movable between a neutral position and a retracted position, a shaft operatively connected to the actuator, and a pair of jaws at least one of which is operatively connected to the shaft, wherein each of the pair of jaws includes a radially outwardly extending flange, and wherein when the actuator is in the retracted position the pair of jaws move to an expanded state operable to engage an arthroscopic washer.