Anchored Guide Tubes for Cannula Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and methods that effectively position and stabilize cannulas within a body wall to access remote sites during surgical procedures, particularly for various cannula designs, ensuring secure and efficient access while maintaining insufflation pressure and providing an electrically conductive pathway.
Innovation Solution
The development of anchored guide devices featuring a single-walled tubular design with an inflatable anchor, repositionable anchors, and actuatable clamping mechanisms, which allow for inflation to secure the cannula in place, maintain insufflation pressure, and facilitate conductive contact with the body wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an inflatable member is used to secure the cannula in place, then the stability and positioning accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a tubular member for cannula reception, an inflatable member for stabilization, and a repositionable anchor for securing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve stable positioning without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable member transitions from a deflated to an inflated state to dynamically adjust and secure the cannula position. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt to different positioning requirements without adding permanent complex structural elements.
2Ease of operation
If a repositionable anchor is used to engage the lateral wall, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The repositionable anchor can be moved along the tubular member to different positions and then secured in place. This dynamic repositioning capability allows optimal positioning while maintaining a reliable engaged state when locked, balancing ease of operation with connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor mechanism is designed to be self-securing, where the act of repositioning automatically engages or disengages the anchor from the lateral wall without requiring additional fastening steps, simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the tube wall is made thin to reduce insertion trauma, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member utilizes a thin-walled flexible structure that can be inserted through body tissue with minimal trauma. The flexibility and thinness of the wall allow easy passage through tissue while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to contain the inflatable member and support the cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled tube transitions from a compressed insertion state to an expanded operational state. During insertion, the tube is flexible and compliant; once positioned, the inflatable member provides structural support, allowing the thin wall to perform its function without requiring thick, rigid construction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engagement features are provided on the tube, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features on the tubular member are designed with universal geometry that can accommodate different cannula types and sizes. Rather than providing multiple specialized engagement mechanisms for different cannulas, a single versatile engagement feature design serves multiple purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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
These devices enable secure positioning and stabilization of cannulas, maintain insufflation pressure, and provide an electrically conductive pathway, enhancing the efficiency and safety of surgical procedures by ensuring reliable access to remote sites within the body.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable member is located at a distal end portion of the tube
Implementation Method 2
A repositionable anchor is located on the tube proximal to the inflatable anchor and is configured to engage the engagement feature on the lateral wall of the tube
Implementation Method 3
providing an electrically conductive pathway
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the tube and surrounding a hollow interior of the tube, and one or more engagement features on the lateral wall. An inflatable member is located at a distal end portion of the tube. The medical device also includes a repositionable anchor located on the tube proximal to the inflatable anchor and configured to engage the one or more features on the lateral wall. In a first configuration of the medical device, the repositionable anchor is translatable along the tube, and in a second configuration of the medical device the repositionable anchor is fixed in translation relative to the tube.