Trocar comprising two sheaths with adjustable length

Abstract

This invention presents a trocar with adjustable length for minimally invasive surgeries. It includes an outer and inner sheath, a trocar blade, threads, and suture holes for securing it to the skin. The length is adjusted by sliding the sheaths over each other, altering their overlap. This design allows modification of the trocar length during surgery without threads contacting the skin. The trocar can be made from all-plastic or metal-plastic materials and is designed for single use.

Description

DescriptionTrocar Comprising Two Sheaths with Adjustable Length

[0001] This invention presents a trocar with adjustable length for minimally invasive surgeries. It includes an outer and inner sheath, a trocar blade, threads, and suture holes for securing it to the skin. The length is adjusted by sliding the sheaths over each other, altering their overlap. This design allows modification of the trocar length during surgery without threads contacting the skin. The trocar can be made from all-plastic or metal-plastic materials and is designed for single use.Technical field

[0002] A61 B17 / 00 - A61B17 / 34Background Art

[0003] Patent US 9549758 by Robert C. Smith (2017) talks about enhanced trocars designed to prevent gas leakage in umbilical trocars during surgery.

[0004] Patent US 9308021 B2 by George Okoniuski (2012) covers the expansion of surgical access ports and introduces a dual-layer trocar where gas is injected between the layers to increase the diameter.

[0005] Trocars have been a staple in minimally invasive surgeries for many years, but over time, their design has evolved to address various issues and minimize complications after surgery. One of the major challenges with umbilical trocars is causing damage to the abdominal organs. On the other hand, the main problem with secondary trocars is the mismatch of lengths, as they don't fit patients with varying body sizes, weights, or anatomies.

[0006] Harry Rich and Medtronic tried to solve the problem of non-umbilical trocars slipping out of the patient’s body during surgery by adding grooves to the external surface of the trocar. But, unfortunately, this method ended up causing severe tissue damage at the point where the trocar was rotated, slowing down the recovery of laparoscopic patients. Plus, this type of tissue damage can even lead to hernias. Moreover, peritoneal damage can cause adhesions in the abdomen, which may eventually result in infertility.Summary of invention

[0007] Trocar is a tool used to provide access to internal body parts during minimally invasive procedures. In such procedures, laparoscopic instruments pass through the trocar to reach the body cavity. Since individuals vary significantly in terms of abdominal wall thickness, body mass index BMI, and abdominal and pelvic anatomy, there is a critical need for trocars with adjustable lengths. Unfortunately, current trocars do not offer the ability to modify the length of the trocar cannula. This limitation can create significant challenges during surgery: long trocars can obstruct the proper opening of surgical forceps, while short trocars may unintentionally dislodge from the patient’s abdomen, leading to issues such as re-puncture, slower recovery process, infections, and even hernias. To address these challenges, our proposed trocar uses two sheaths that slide within each other. By adjusting the overlap of these two sheaths — using threads embedded at the ends of each sheath — the length of the trocar becomes variable and fully adjustable. The trocar is composed of the following parts: a) An outer sheath b) An inner sheath c) A sharp or blunt trocar blade d) Threads integrated into the body of the outer and inner sheaths e) Two suture holes placed in the outer sheath for securing the trocar to the patient’s skin through sutures. This trocar is designed for single use and can be manufactured in an all-plastic or metal-plastic hybrid version.Technical problem

[0008] Since individuals vary in size and anatomical structure, medical devices such as trocars for minimally invasive surgeries must be tailored to each person's anatomy. Although producing trocars in different sizes is highly needed, it is not economically feasible. Therefore, we propose the use of trocars with adjustable lengths for minimally invasive procedures.

[0009] Challenges with fixed-length trocars in minimally invasive surgeries:

[0010] If the trocar is too long, the surgical forceps will not fully exit the trocar sheath during surgery and will not open properly.

[0011] If the trocar is too short, it may be displaced from the abdomen or pelvis during the procedure, requiring re-entry and causing additional tissue damage.

[0012] Solution: The development of adjustable-length trocars provides:

[0013] Easy access to all pelvic and abdominal components without repositioning the trocar.

[0014] Surgical forceps can open effortlessly.

[0015] The trocar stays securely in place during the surgery, eliminating the need for multiple punctures and reducing the risk of complications caused by repeated tissue damage.Solution of problem

[0016] T rocars have been used in minimally invasive surgeries for many years, and over time, they have been modified to meet evolving needs and reduce post- surgical complications. One of the biggest issues with standard umbilical trocars is damage to the abdominal organs. Meanwhile, the main problem with secondary trocars is their length, which is not suitable for patients with varying abdominal thickness, weight, and anatomical structures.

[0017] Harry Rich and Medtronic tried to address the issue of trocar displacement during surgery by adding grooves to the outer part of the trocar. However, this method caused significant tissue damage at the point of trocar rotation, delaying recovery for laparoscopic patients. These types of tissue injuries can lead to hernias and peritoneal damage, resulting in abdominal adhesions, which may cause infertility. Furthermore, attempts have been made to reduce trocar length to fix the issue of surgical forceps not opening properly, but this in turn causes the trocar to exit the abdomen or pelvis during surgery.

[0018] Our proposed trocar has an adjustable length that can be tailored to an individual's anatomy. The length of the trocar designed by our team can be adjusted up to 3.2 centimeters.

[0019] This invention provides a mechanism and method for adjusting and modifying the length of trocars used in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries. It consists of the following components:a) Outer sheathb) Inner sheathc) Sharp or blunt trocar blade (obturator)d) Embedded threads in the bodies of the outer and inner sheathse) Two suture holes embedded in the outer sheath to fix the trocar to the patient's skin.

[0020] This invention uses two sheaths in the trocar, and by moving them within each other with the help of threads embedded at the ends of the sheaths, it changes the overlap between the two sheaths, making the final length of the trocar adjustable. It is important to note that the threads embedded at the end of the trocar do not come into contact with the patient’s skin. These threads are designed so that the threads on the outer sheath are inside, and the threads on the inner sheath are on the outer part of the inner sheath.

[0021] By incorporating two sheaths that move within each other and threading the end of the trocar along the central axis, the length of the trocar is adjusted by turning the threads. This allows the trocar length to be set as needed.

[0022] The trocar designed by us does not have any external grooves where the trocar would come into contact with the tissue. The absence of grooves on the outer body of the trocar at the point of contact with the patient’s tissue ensures that the incision made by the trocar is linear, preventing tissue crushing and trauma in the area where the trocar contacts the tissue.

[0023] Our proposed trocar remains securely in place with sutures, and stays fixed throughout the surgery. Since this trocar has an adjustable length, there is no need for repositioning, and by adjusting the movement of the sheaths within each other and changing the overlap, it allows easy access to different areas of the abdomen and pelvis during minimally invasive surgeries.Advantage effects of invention

[0024] This invention introduces a trocar with an adjustable and variable length to address the drawbacks of current trocars. Initially, trocars had relatively long lengths, standardized at 10 cm, which posed difficulties for surgeons during laparoscopic procedures by preventing surgical forceps from fully opening. While shortening the length of trocars solved some issues, new challenges arose, such as trocars dislodging during minimally invasive procedures, requiring multiplepunctures, and causing complications such as hernia, bleeding, and infections at incision sites.

[0025] As individuals vary in size and anatomy, medical equipment, including trocars for minimally invasive surgeries, must be tailored to the anatomical structures of patients. Although producing different sizes of trocars is essential, it is not economically feasible. Therefore, we propose an adjustable-length trocar for minimally invasive surgeries.

[0026] Unfortunately, current trocars on the market do not offer the capability to adjust the length of the trocar cannula, leaving surgeons unable to meet their needs during laparoscopic procedures. Long trocars obstruct the full opening of surgical forceps, while short ones can dislodge during surgery, leading to the need for re-puncturing, causing more pain, delayed healing, infections at puncture sites, and hernias.

[0027] Our proposed trocar solves this problem by allowing its length to be adjusted based on the patient’s anatomy (abdominal thickness, height, and weight). This trocar consists of two sheaths. The sheaths are screwed together at the upper end, and by turning the threads, the overlap between the two sheaths changes, adjusting the length. The threads are embedded in such a way that they do not come into contact with the tissue. The trocar’s length is modified by rotating the outer sheath within the inner sheath.

[0028] The designed trocar lacks external grooves where it comes into contact with the tissue. The absence of these grooves makes the incision linear and prevents crushing and traumatizing the tissue at the point of contact. Additionally, the trocar includes two suture points on the skin, which prevent the trocar from loosening or dislodging during laparoscopic procedures, unlike current trocars that can exit the body after repositioning.

[0029] Our proposed trocar uses two sheaths that move within each other, and the threads at the ends of the sheaths allow for an adjustable overlap, making the final length of the trocar variable and customizable to individual needs.

[0030] The trocar designed by us consists of the following components: a) Outer sheath b) Inner sheath c) Sharp or blunt trocar blade d) Threads embedded in theouter and inner sheaths e) Two suture holes in the outer sheath to secure the trocar in place.

[0031] By adjusting the overlap between the inner and outer sheaths through turning the threads, the trocar length can be modified for different patient needs. This allows surgeons to easily manage the trocar length during minimally invasive surgeries, ensuring the forceps can open properly and the trocar stays securely in place throughout the procedureBrief description of drawings

[0032] [Fig. 1]: Isometric view of the innermost trocar blade

[0033] [Fig. 2]: Isometric view of the middle layer of the trocar

[0034] [Fig. 3]: Isometric view of the outer layer of the trocar.Description of embodiments

[0035] [Fig. 1]: 1. Bottom view of the blade 2. Front view of the blade (the innermost layer of the trocar, which contains the sharp trocar blade for piercing tissue) 3. Top view of the blade 4. The upper part is plastic and has multiple internal threads, which allow for adjusting the length of the trocar blade by rotating it on the outer trocar sheath 5. This sheath is considered the middle blade sheath of the trocar. It consists of two parts: a metal or plastic blade that can move within the outer sheath of the device, and by sliding on the outer layer, it adjusts the length of the trocar 6. Isometric view of the innermost trocar blade

[0036] [Fig. 2]: 7. Bottom view of the middle blade (the holes embedded in the plastic part of the middle blade are where the middle sheath of the trocar is sutured to the patient's skin to stabilize the position of the trocar). 8. The upper part is plastic and has multiple internal threads, which allow for adjusting the length of the trocar blade by rotating it on the outer trocar sheath. 9. This sheath is considered the middle blade sheath of the trocar. It consists of two parts: a metal or plastic blade that can move within the outer sheath of the device, and by sliding on the outer layer, it adjusts the length of the trocar. 10. Top view of the middle blade (the holes embedded in the plastic part of the middle sheath are where sutures are placed tosecure the sheath to the patient’s skin to stabilize the position of the trocar, and the entry point of the sharp trocar blade into the sheath). 11. Cross-section of the trocar. Vertical cross-sectional view of the middle layer. Noticeable grooves on both sides of the plastic part of the trocar are where it is sutured to the patient's skin to stabilize the position of the trocar. 12. Isometric view of the middle layer of the trocar

[0037] [Fig.3]: 13. Bottom view of the outer sheath of the trocar (the central hole is where the sharp blade enters, as shown in image 1). 14. This is the outer sheath of the trocar. It consists of two parts: a metal or plastic blade that can move within the inner sheath of the trocar and actually adjusts the length of the trocar by sliding on the inner layer. The upper part is plastic and has multiple internal threads that allow for adjusting the length of the trocar blade by rotating it on the inner sheath.17. Top view of the outer layer of the trocar (the central hole of the trocar is where the sharp blade enters, as shown in image 1). 18. Cross-section of the trocar. Vertical cross-sectional view of the outer layer. Noticeable grooves in the plastic part of the trocar are threads that rotate the outer layer on the middle layer to adjust the final length of the trocar. 19. Isometric view of the outer layer of the trocar. Examples

[0038] Our proposed trocar is used in the first and second punctures for minimally invasive procedures in the chest, abdominal, and pelvic areas. On average, approximately 50 million minimally invasive surgeries are performed globally and 15 million in the USA and 20 million in the EU every day, creating numerous applications for our proposed invention. Since no similar device has been registered worldwide, this invention has the potential to be introduced on a global scale.Industrial applicability

[0039] This invention is used in all minimally invasive surgeries of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Several types of minimally invasive procedures include Billroth I and II, appendectomy, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, and more. Since this surgical device is applicable in most minimally invasive surgeries, there will bea growing demand for its industrial production. This will lead to job creation and contribute to economic development in the country.

Claims

Claims

1. This invention introduces a mechanism and method for adjusting and modifying the length of trocars used in laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. The trocar includes the following components: a) An outer sheath b) An inner sheath c) A sharp or blunt trocar blade d) Threads integrated into the structure of the outer and inner sheaths e) Two suture holes located in the outer sheath for securing the trocar to the patient’s skin using sutures.

2. As described in Claim 1 , the invention utilizes two sheaths within the trocar.By sliding these sheaths over one another, assisted by threads embedded at the ends of both sheaths, the overlap between the two sheaths can be adjusted. This adjustment results in a variable and customizable trocar length. Importantly, the threads are positioned in such a way that they do not come into direct contact with the patient’s skin. Specifically, the threads on the outer sheath are embedded internally, while the threads on the inner sheath are embedded externally. (Note): The detailed description of the components (trocar sheaths) and the mechanism for their operation is intended to clarify and explain a single invention, in line with the requirements of Article 8 for patent registration.

3. This improved trocar enables the adjustment of its length entirely outside the patient’s body, eliminating any contact between the threads and body tissues. Furthermore, it provides the capability to modify the trocar’s length during surgery, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in various surgical scenarios.

Images