Arthroscopic Shaver Design Parameters Controlled Laboratory Testing

Abstract

AIM: Arthroscopic shaver is a widely used surgical single-use cutting tools. Its life and usability are important parameter for operation quality. In this research, arthroscopic shaver design and operation parameters are shot. METHODS: The relations between the cutting variables and output parameters are studied to achieve the recommended design and cutting conditions. The interesting variables are the tooth point angle, cutting speed, and contact force. Other variables are maintained constant within the range of commercial shavers. The interesting cutting parameters are stresses on shaver tooth, resection rate, and damage experienced by the teeth. The cut quality is assessed based on the expertise medical opinion. Special setup is designed and prepared to test re-sectioning of soft tissues under different operating conditions. RESULTS: The experimental results show that the cutting tooth angle between 55° to 62° achieved higher resection (material removal) rates while experiencing less damage and teeth blunting. Additionally, the cutting speed of 14 m/ min increases the material resection by 60% than the lower ones. Where, the resection performance decreases by approximately 50% every consecutive three minutes test run. CONCLUSION: These results agree with the previous theoretical work using finite element modeling and simulation.