SATA, Shaft Actuated Tip Articulation in an Arthroscopic Punch
Themes: Life Science & Health, High Tech
Late prototype
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Repairing menisci lesions is challenging when the tear is located in a difficult to reach location. Using the current cutting tools that cannot steer multiple instrument exchanges are required, which leads to frustration, longer operation time, high tissue stress on cartilage and portals and therefore potential tissue damage and hand pain.
How?
Our Steerable Punch offers the needed extra reachability in knee joints, and prevents the use of multiple cutting tools. This is achieved by a new patented stiff articulating shaft mechanism (SATA), which allows the tip to be positioned at all possible angles between 55 and -55 degrees and simultaneously allows for precision cutting of tough tissues within one single instrument.
When?
As soon as the first SATA punch comes available in 2016. This new punch reduces the number of instrument changes (one punch is needed) and reduces the risk on tissue damage.
Dr.ir. Gabrielle Tuijthof