Adjustable Surgical Access Port for In-Situ Depth Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical access ports require a diverse inventory of varying lengths to accommodate different surgical depths, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing, storage, and procedural adaptability.
Innovation Solution
Adjustable-length surgical access devices that allow on-the-fly length adjustments by sliding and locking components, reducing the need for multiple devices and enabling in-situ modifications during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tubular access ports are manufactured in many sizes to accommodate varying surgical depths, then adaptability to different surgical regions is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access port incorporates a telescoping mechanism with an inner tube that can slide relative to an outer tube, allowing the overall length to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic structure enables a single device to adapt to multiple surgical depths, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a nested tube configuration where the inner tube is positioned within the outer tube. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage while enabling length adjustment by extending or retracting the inner tube relative to the outer tube, solving both adaptability and inventory complexity issues.
2Reliability
If multiple fixed-length access devices are maintained in inventory, then readiness for various surgical procedures is improved, but storage space and procurement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable-length access port serves multiple functions by accommodating various surgical depths with a single device. The telescoping mechanism allows the same device to be used for both shallow and deep surgical sites, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables parameter changes in its effective length during use. By adjusting the extension of the inner tube, the access port can be configured for different surgical depths, allowing a single device with variable parameters to replace multiple devices with fixed parameters.
3Length of stationary object
If access to deep surgical regions is achieved with longer fixed devices, then surgical depth capability is improved, but device handling and maneuverability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows the device length to be dynamically adjusted based on the specific surgical requirements. For deep surgical regions, the inner tube can be extended to provide adequate reach, while for shallower procedures, the device remains more compact and easier to handle, optimizing ease of operation for each specific task.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port is segmented into an inner tube and an outer tube that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the inner tube to be extended or retracted to achieve the necessary length for deep access while keeping the outer tube relatively compact for easier handling and insertion.
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
Enables quick and easy length adjustments of surgical access devices, minimizing the need for multiple inventory items and allowing for seamless adaptation to changing surgical depths without device swaps.
Implementation Method 1
a spring forming an opening through which the upper tube is disposed... The middle tube is biased away from the upper tube in a configuration in which the spring is uncompressed
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable-length surgical access devices are disclosed herein, which can advantageously allow an overall length of the access device to be quickly and easily changed by the user. The access devices herein can reduce or eliminate the need to maintain an inventory of many different length access devices. In some embodiments, the length of the access device can be adjusted while the access device is inserted into the patient. This can reduce or eliminate the need to swap in and out several different access devices before arriving at an optimal length access device. This can also reduce or eliminate the need to change the access device that is inserted into a patient as the depth at which a surgical step is performed changes over the course of a procedure. Rather, the length of the access device can be adjusted in situ and on-the-fly as needed or desired to accommodate different surgical depths.