Windowed Blade Case with Light-Absorbing Surface for Endoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical instruments face issues with glare and light reflection, require rotational movement for visualization, and occupy space that needs to be removed for other surgical tools, leading to temporary complications and inefficiencies during procedures like carpal tunnel release surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a windowed blade case featuring a light-absorbing surface and strategically positioned windows to minimize glare, a compact design that allows visualization without needing to be rotated or removed, and a scraper tip for tissue manipulation, enabling effective visualization and tissue handling without additional tool insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade case is made opaque to block light, then light reflection is reduced, but visualization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The blade case employs selective transparency: the proximal portion is opaque to prevent light reflection and glare, while the distal portion is transparent to allow visualization of the cutting site. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between reducing harmful light reflection and maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade case is divided into distinct functional segments: an opaque proximal portion for light blocking and a transparent distal portion for visualization. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, eliminating the need for rotation to achieve different visual views.
2Loss of information
If the blade case is rotated to orient the endoscope lens, then visualization is improved, but surgical time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The blade case is segmented into opaque and transparent portions along its longitudinal axis, with the transparent distal portion continuously providing visualization capability. This eliminates the need for rotational movement to achieve visual access, as the transparent section always faces the cutting site, thereby reducing surgical time while maintaining visualization quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade case is removed to insert another surgical tool, then access to the surgical site is improved, but surgical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade case is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides cutting capability, visualization through its transparent distal portion, and light blocking through its opaque proximal portion. This universality allows it to remain in place during various surgical operations without needing to be removed for other tools, thereby maintaining surgical efficiency while providing versatile functionality.
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 solution reduces complications by minimizing light reflection, reduces the need for rotational movement, and allows the device to remain in place during procedures, enhancing visualization and tissue handling efficiency while reducing pressure on nerves and improving surgical workflow.
Implementation Method 1
the blade case has a light-absorbing surface that minimizes light reflection
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3A~3
AI summary
An endoscopic surgical device having a windowed blade case featuring an interior surface that is black or dark, provides improved feasibility and ease of use. Further advantages are achieved by flanging the exterior surface of the blade case, and by providing a scraper tip.