Adjustable Cannula Assembly Telescopic Shaft Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures require adjustable cannula assemblies to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses, but existing systems lack the flexibility to adapt to different patient anatomies and surgical needs.
Innovation Solution
A cannula assembly with an elongate shaft assembly comprising three segments that are slidably nested, allowing for transition between retracted, intermediate, and extended configurations, providing a customizable length to suit specific tissue thicknesses and surgical procedures, with sealing mechanisms to maintain a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length cannula assembly is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying tissue thicknesses and different patient anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is divided into multiple telescopic segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can slide relative to each other, allowing the overall length to be adjusted based on tissue thickness requirements while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The segments are nested within each other in a telescopic arrangement, with each segment containing the next smaller segment, enabling compact storage and flexible length adjustment without significantly increasing the device's external dimensions or structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-length cannula assemblies are provided for different patients, then each assembly is optimized for specific anatomy, but the number of devices and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single cannula assembly with telescopic segments can perform the function of multiple fixed-length assemblies by adjusting its length to match different patient anatomies and tissue thicknesses, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized devices in inventory
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula assembly transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic adjustable-length design, allowing the length to be modified during storage and use to accommodate varying surgical requirements without requiring multiple static devices
3Ease of operation
If the elongate shaft assembly is made telescopic with multiple segments, then the length can be adjusted for different procedures, but the device complexity and potential sealing issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate shaft assembly is segmented into multiple independent but interconnected sections, each capable of sliding relative to the others, providing adjustable length while maintaining structural integrity through standardized coupling interfaces between segments
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic segments are nested within each other with precise clearances and sealing mechanisms, allowing smooth length adjustment while preventing fluid leakage through the segment interfaces during surgical procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula assembly includes an elongate shaft assembly that is adjustable by a clinician to vary the length of the cannula assembly. In particular, the elongate shaft assembly may be transitioned to provide various lengths of the cannula assembly by selectively positioning a plurality of segments of the elongate shaft assembly. In this manner, a single cannula assembly may be tailored to each patient or a surgical procedure being performed.