Adjustable Sleeve Stop for Surgical Cannula Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical access devices lack a reliable mechanism to prevent over-insertion of trocar assemblies during minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to accidental contact with unintended tissue and potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access device featuring a sleeve stop with a body comprising two sections and an adjustable member, allowing for selective engagement and positioning along the cannula to limit distal advancement, utilizing a wing nut for adjustable engagement and a pivot mechanism for secure fixation, and an optional stopping block to prevent tissue contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed sleeve stop is used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning flexibility along the cannula is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve stop transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The two sections can pivot relative to each other, and the adjustable member can be rotated to change the aperture diameter, enabling the sleeve stop to be positioned at various locations along the cannula while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The body of the sleeve stop is divided into two pivotable sections with threaded apertures, and the adjustable member is separated as a distinct component. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the aperture size and position, providing flexibility without requiring a completely redesign of the entire sleeve stop structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the aperture diameter is reduced for secure engagement, then the locking reliability improves, but the ease of positioning along the cannula deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidease of positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aperture diameter is made dynamically adjustable through the rotation of the adjustable member. During positioning, the aperture can be enlarged to allow easy sliding of the sleeve stop along the cannula. Once positioned, the aperture is reduced in diameter to securely engage the cannula, providing both ease of operation and reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameter of aperture diameter is changed based on the operational stage. The threaded apertures in the two sections allow the adjustable member to modify the aperture size, transitioning between a larger diameter for easy positioning and a smaller diameter for secure locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sleeve stop is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different positions improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable mechanism is segmented into discrete functional components: two pivotable body sections with integrated threaded apertures and a separate adjustable member. This segmentation allows the adjustability function to be achieved through simple, well-understood mechanical elements rather than a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable member serves multiple functions: it adjusts the aperture diameter for both easy positioning and secure locking, and it can be easily removed for sterilization. The pivotable sections also provide both structural support and the ability to accommodate the adjustable member's movement, reducing the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 sleeve stop effectively prevents over-insertion of the cannula, ensuring controlled access and minimizing accidental tissue contact, while being reusable and sterilizable for multiple procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable member configured to threadably engage the threaded aperture of the first section and the threaded aperture of the second section, wherein rotation of the adjustable member in a first direction relative to the first section of the sleeve stop causes the diameter of the aperture to increase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the first section is pivotable relative to the second section about a pivot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3998028B1Surgical access device and sleeve stops for use therewith
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3998028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3998028B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3998028B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sleeve stop for use with a surgical access device, the sleeve stop comprising: a body portion having a first section and a second section, the first section including a threaded aperture, the second section including a threaded aperture, the first section being pivotable relative to the second section about a pivot, the first section and the second section defining an aperture therebetween for slidable reception of a cannula; and an adjustable member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the threaded aperture of the first section and with the threaded aperture of the second section, wherein rotation of the adjustable member relative to the first section causes a diameter of the aperture to change.