Articular cartilage smoother for arthroscopic surgeries

The goal of the project is to work together and utilize all the strengths of all team members, both technical and not, to produce a functional arthroscopic random orbital shaver that satisfies, if not exceeds, the expectations of our client while simultaneously advancing our familiarity with the engineering design and manufacturing process.

=Problem Definition= The surgical interventions that are currently used for addressing articular degradation, particularly in the knee, are to perform total joint replacements or simply do nothing at all. Some individuals, however, are too young or simply unfit for a total joint replacement, and for those patients there is a third alternative. Arthroscopic debridement is currently used as a method to shave down damaged articular surfaces (i.e. cartilage and bone) to minimize inflammation and pain.

Background
Current shavers utilize a rotating drum-shaped shaving head, that when pressed against cartilage or bone, can cause ripples in those surfaces, which results in a suboptimal post-surgical result.

Deliverables
Our team is driven to improve this procedure by creating a novel arthroscopic shaver that can be used to create smoother articular surfaces. Our shaving device will improve the lives of orthopedic surgeons by making the handle into a pistol-grip shape, which will be more ergonomic and functional than current technologies. But, most importantly, our device should result in a post-surgical joint that lasts longer and is more comfortable, improving the quality of life for patients. ​

Specifications and Requirements
-Comfortable and lightweight​

-Shaft diameter of less than 5 mm​

-Biologically compatible materials​

-Autoclavable​

-Compatible with suction and fluid flow​

-Creates smooth articular surface

-Large pistol like handle

-Must be sturdy

-Less than $3000

=Design=

The design that we came up with is a drive shaft with a fixed rectangular head and curved edges to be able to travel smoothly over rough surfaces while operating with a side to side vibrating motion. The smoothing of the articular surfaces is accomplished using a gritted head that functions analogously to sandpaper. The vibration, along with the head’s flat or convex surface, helps mitigate the possibility of ripple formation while still creating a smoother surface on the cartilage and bone. The vibration is created by a vibration motor that is connected to the back of the driveshaft. However, for the handle of our device we used a handle shaped like a pistol, which is more ergonomic and convenient for the surgeon to hold while operating.

CAD Model Design:



Electrical Design:



=Project Learning= Throughout our project we have gained valuable practical experience following the engineering design process.From our initial brainstorming stage, to our complete prototype and many iterations in between, we have learned the importance of collaboration, communication, and the impact of technological advancement through engineering. While many current surgical technologies are already very advanced, they can always be improved to ease surgeons’ lives and improve patient care and successes.

=Final Design=  

Assembly includes:​

-Driveshaft / Smoothing Surface (Pink)​

-Outer Shaft (Pink)​

-Fluid Chamber​

-Connector Jacket (Purple)​

-Motor & Clips (Red)​

-Trigger / Springs / Push Button (Green)​

-Circuit Board (Yellow)​

-Battery Compartment (Blue)​

-Charger Placement (Orange)​

-Nuts & Bolts for fastening​

-3D-Printed Encasing Handle

=Budget and Validation= Our Client gave us a budget of $3000 that we have split up on these parts in this photo Total Budget: $3000​

Actual Spent: $1188

Here is an Image of our validation plan, and below is a link to the file of our validation plan.



=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes

Presentations



Client Interview