Embedded Files
Spring 2020 MAE 156B Sponsored Project
University of California, San Diego
Sponsored by Andrew Vahabzadeh-Hagh (MD), UC San Diego Health
Background
Background
The upper aerodigestive tract includes important structures such as the larynx (‘voice box’), trachea (‘windpipe’) and esophagus. These structures are vital to our quality of life and survival because they control our voice, air supply, and food intake. If subjected to trauma they can develop scarring and become dysfunctional. Treatment of these structures is typically done through transoral endoscopic approaches. This approach involves using a rigid laryngoscope to open the mouth and provide an approximate 1-2 cm working channel through which to view and work on these vital structures. Today doctors can use suture to sew structures together, but suture and needles are not intended and far too cumbersome for this application. They would benefit from a small instrument that can connect tissues permanently or semi-permanently in a simple and even one-handed fashion.
The upper aerodigestive tract includes important structures such as the larynx (‘voice box’), trachea (‘windpipe’) and esophagus. These structures are vital to our quality of life and survival because they control our voice, air supply, and food intake. If subjected to trauma they can develop scarring and become dysfunctional. Treatment of these structures is typically done through transoral endoscopic approaches. This approach involves using a rigid laryngoscope to open the mouth and provide an approximate 1-2 cm working channel through which to view and work on these vital structures. Today doctors can use suture to sew structures together, but suture and needles are not intended and far too cumbersome for this application. They would benefit from a small instrument that can connect tissues permanently or semi-permanently in a simple and even one-handed fashion.
Our sponsor, Andrew Vahabzadeh-Hagh (MD), is an Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon who treats disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. He specializes in treating diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract, with a focus on the larynx, in both the clinic and in surgery. His experience has revealed that there is a need for a tool that easily connects tissues in the throat. He proposed a project that can meet this need and positively influence medical procedures.
Our sponsor, Andrew Vahabzadeh-Hagh (MD), is an Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon who treats disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. He specializes in treating diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract, with a focus on the larynx, in both the clinic and in surgery. His experience has revealed that there is a need for a tool that easily connects tissues in the throat. He proposed a project that can meet this need and positively influence medical procedures.
Objectives
Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to design, test, and build a device that is capable of stapling tissue together. It must fit through a laryngoscope, which means it has to be thin and long, it has to allow one handed use, and it must deploy one staple at a time. The endoscopic stapler will provide doctors the ability to approximate and connect tissues in a stable fashion.
Final Design
Final Design
The final stapler design features a low profile design optimized for use within an endoscope where the shaft is 4 mm in width and 23 cm long. Design for manufacturability was considered heavily throughout the design process. Parts are durable and cost effective to manufacture. It consists of a combination of metal and plastic parts.
External Links
External Links
Page updated
Report abuse