Structural features and advantages
Size and shape
The design with a diameter of 3MM and a length of 180MM enables the nucleus pulposus forceps to have excellent passability and ease of operation within the UBE surgical channel. The smaller 3MM diameter can easily pass through the surgical channel, while the 180MM length ensures the operating range inside the spine. The straight design facilitates operation along relatively straight anatomical paths, and the round head design can effectively prevent damage to sensitive tissues such as nerves and blood vessels during insertion and movement, providing safety protection in complex spinal surgery environments.
Bowl mouth design
The shape of the bowl mouth increases the contact area with the nucleus pulposus tissue, which can better fit the irregular shape of the nucleus pulposus. This design helps to grasp the nucleus pulposus more firmly, especially when dealing with soft and easily deformable nucleus pulposus tissue. The rim of the bowl can be wrapped around the nucleus pulposus like a "small container", reducing the possibility of the nucleus pulposus slipping off during the process of grasping.
Shear performance
The shearing performance is an important feature of the nucleus pulposus forceps. During the operation, it can not only hold the nucleus pulposus tissue tightly but also cut some adhered tissues or unwanted tissue fibers. For instance, when the nucleus pulposus tissue is tightly adhered to the surrounding annulus fibrosus or other tissues, this shearing performance can help the doctor cut off the adhered part before grasping the nucleus pulposus. Thus, it is easier to completely capture and remove the nucleus pulposus.
Application scenarios in UBE surgery
Removal of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc
In the UBE surgery for intervertebral disc protrusion, the nucleus pulposus forceps play a crucial role. Firstly, the location of the protruding nucleus pulposus is determined through an endoscope. Then, the nucleus pulposus forceps are inserted into the intervertebral space through the working channel, and the protruding nucleus pulposus is wrapped and grasped by a bowl-shaped design. When the nucleus pulposus adheres to the surrounding tissues, by taking advantage of the shearing property, the adhered parts are cut off, and the nucleus pulposus is smoothly removed from the intervertebral disc, reducing the compression on the nerves and alleviating the patient's symptoms of nerve compression such as pain and numbness.
Clean the surgical area
The nucleus pulposus forceps can effectively clear free nucleus pulposus fragments, degenerated annulus fibrosus tissue and possible inflammatory granulation tissue in the surgical area. The bowl-shaped design helps to accurately grasp fragments, and its shearing performance can be used to handle larger tissue blocks or adhered tissues, keeping the surgical area clean and preventing further compression or damage to the nerves and spinal cord caused by fragments or diseased tissues.
Assistance in tissue separation and repair
During the operation, the shearing performance and bowl-shaped design can be used to assist in tissue separation. For instance, when it is necessary to distinguish normal tissue from diseased tissue or to search for the nucleus pulposus hidden behind other tissues, the tissue can be separated by gentle shearing and stirring. In addition, in some surgical scenarios involving tissue repair, it can also help clear the edges of damaged tissues, creating favorable conditions for tissue healing.
Operation precautions and skills
Precautions for Operation
Since the surgical operation relies on endoscopic visualization, it is very important to ensure a clear endoscopic field of view, so as to accurately observe the relationship between the nucleus pulposus forceps and the surrounding tissues. During the insertion and operation process, always be careful to avoid damaging important structures such as nerves and blood vessels. When using the cutting function, be careful to avoid accidentally cutting off important tissues. At the same time, when opening and closing the nucleus pulposus forceps to grasp the tissue, the force should be controlled to prevent excessive force from causing tissue tearing or damage to the nucleus pulposus forceps.
Operation skills
Insertion technique: Based on the anatomical path observed by endoscopy and the structural characteristics of the surgical site, insert the nucleus pulposus forceps at an appropriate Angle and direction. Taking advantage of the characteristics of the round head, insert it slowly along the natural anatomical gap or the established working channel to avoid forced insertion causing damage to the surrounding tissues.
Scissor technique: When grasping the nucleus pulposus tissue, first gently bring the nucleus pulposus forceps close to the target tissue, and then slowly close the forceps opening. By using a bowl-shaped design, the nucleus pulposus is fully inserted into the bowl opening, and the grasping force is appropriately adjusted according to the size and texture of the nucleus pulposus. When shearing is required, the part of the tissue to be sheared should be accurately placed at the shearing position of the pliers and subjected to gentle pressure for shearing. During the operation, the position and operation method of the nucleus pulposus forceps should be flexibly adjusted in combination with the real-time observation of the endoscope to achieve the best surgical outcome.
