Adaptable Obturator for Multi-Size Trocars

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical access systems require multiple obturators for different sized trocars, leading to operational confusion, increased manufacturing and distribution costs, and potential tissue damage due to varying insertion forces.

Innovation Solution

A single, adjustable obturator with a compressible portion that accommodates multiple trocar sizes by expanding to match the largest trocar diameter and compressing to fit the smallest, ensuring secure insertion and minimizing tissue trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple obturators are provided for different sized trocars, then each trocar size can be accommodated, but operational confusion and increased manufacturing/distribution costs occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different trocar sizesVSAvoidnumber of obturator types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The obturator is designed with a compressible portion that can adapt to multiple trocar sizes (5mm, 7mm, 9mm, 12mm) using a single device. The compressible portion changes diameter based on the trocar size, allowing one obturator to perform multiple functions across different trocar configurations, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized obturators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The obturator incorporates a compressible portion that dynamically changes its diameter from an initial expanded state to a compressed state to match different trocar diameters. This dynamic adaptation allows the same obturator to be used with various trocar sizes without requiring multiple static designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple obturators are provided for different sized trocars, then each trocar size can be accommodated, but manufacturing and distribution costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different trocar sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing and distribution costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single obturator that can accommodate multiple trocar sizes through its compressible portion, the system reduces the total number of products that need to be manufactured and distributed. This universality directly lowers manufacturing complexity, inventory requirements, and distribution costs compared to producing multiple specialized obturators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If varying insertion forces are used for different trocar sizes, then insertion is facilitated, but uncontrolled entry and tissue damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion facilitationVSAvoidtissue damage and uncontrolled entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The compressible portion changes its physical parameters (diameter) to match the specific trocar size being used. This parameter change ensures that the obturator maintains appropriate contact and insertion characteristics across different trocar sizes, preventing both excessive insertion force that could cause tissue damage and insufficient force that would facilitate uncontrolled entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the largest sized trocar is used, then all instrument sizes can be accommodated, but small sized instruments cannot seal properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument size accommodationVSAvoidinstrument seal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The obturator's compressible portion is designed with specific local properties that allow it to conform to the exact diameter of the trocar being used. This local adaptation ensures that the seal between the obturator and trocar remains effective across different sizes, preventing gas escape when small instruments are used while still accommodating larger instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adjustable obturator simplifies surgical procedures by reducing the need for multiple obturators, minimizing manufacturing and operational costs, and maintaining consistent insertion force and tactile feedback across different trocar sizes, thereby enhancing surgical precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible portion at the tip of the shaft, the compressible portion provided to operate and accommodate the use of at least two different sized trocars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

an adjustable obturator having a compressible portion in an initial state configured to have a diameter greater or equal to the diameter of the second trocar and in a compressed state configured to have a diameter greater or equal to the diameter of the first trocar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2974679B1Trocar system with adaptable obturator for various sized trocars

Publication Date: 2016.12.07 APPL MEDICAL RESOURCES CORP

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2

AI summary

Surgical access systems and obturators for or used in surgical access systems are provided. The obturator is configured to operate or accommodate the use of at least two different sized trocars. The outer diameter of the adaptable obturator when inserted into a trocar compresses from an initial condition to a compressed condition to match the inner diameter of the trocar.