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University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAE 156B: Senior Design Project
Project Sponsor: Dr. Garrison Leach @ UCSD Health
Team Members: Nhu Nguyen, John Daniell Salvador, Matthew Sutanto, Berk Dilsizoglu
Project Background
Microsurgery is a specialized surgical field operating on small anatomical structures (i.e. blood vessels, sutures, nerves, etc.). Due to its importance, access to microsurgical instruments is limited in many under-developed countries due to the high cost of such precise tools. Therefore, our team will look to significantly lower the cost of microsurgical instruments: jeweler forceps, dilator forceps, and microneedle holders through cheaper prints while maintaining the core functionality of the instrument tips.
Project Objective
To reduce the price to under $25 per tool or less
Maintain core functionality in dexterity, comfort, tactility, and overall quality of microsurgical instruments
Make them easily accessible to under-developed countries by using more common fabrication methods, cheaper materials, and making them more locally achievable.
Description of Final Design Solutions
Using the Connex3 Stratasys resin printer, the team's prototypes of jeweler forceps, dilator forceps, and microneedle holders were printed with the Veroclear material.
The tips of the jeweler and dilator forceps were laser cut AISI 410 stainless steel for lower fabrication costs while maintaining the level of precision and stiffness required in microsurgery. The laser cut tips were then electropolished using a configuration of 5A for 5 minutes of polishing time.
Jeweler Forceps
Jeweler Forceps
Handles: Integrated grooves and ergonomic contours to improve grip, stability and comfort during prolonged use.
Notched mounting interface: To attach the tips while maintaining proper alignment and force transmission
Triangular alignment shaft: Reducing side to side shifting and scissoring when being held down
Jeweler Forceps Tips
Designed for grasping, manipulating, and suturing of small blood vessels
Minimized tolerance for a more flush fit in the socket
More narrow, pointed tip manufactured through laser cutting: To achieve fine feature resolution and consistent tip sharpness
Dilator Forceps
Dilator Forceps
Ergonomic grooves and handle contours
Improves user comfort and grip stability while maintaining lightweight construction
Triangular alignment shaft
Minimizes shifting to its sides when compressed
Alignment poles
Stabilizes the platform for the tips to be placed upon
Dilator Forceps Tips
Designed for gentle opening and slight stretching small blood vessels
Post-processing of cut tips provided a more rounded and smoother tip profiles
Minimizes tissue damage during vessel dilation
Microneedle Holder
Microneedle Holder
Smooth, contoured handle surfaces
For better hand grip when held
Double-hinged design
To simulate OEM surgical feel and tactile feedback
Ergonomic handle geometry
To provide sufficient clamping force and user control
Microneedle Holder Tip
Reduced surface area in tips
Better grip of sutures and blood vessels
Better clearance and fit for tiny blood vessels
Tool Video Demonstration
Tool Video Demonstration
Final Poster
Final Poster
Team 18 - Final Poster.pptxPage updated
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