Surgical Access Device With Angled Sealing Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic procedures face challenges with mini-laparoscopic instruments due to their smaller diameter, leading to performance limitations, increased costs, fragility, and limited use in patients with favorable anatomy, while standard instruments through a single umbilical incision cause a 'chopstick effect' reducing surgical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device featuring a retractor with multiple off-axis sealing ports that allow for variable angular insertion of instruments, including rotatable and pivotable sealing ports with adjustable diameters and non-circular cross-sections, to minimize interference and enhance maneuverability within a body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mini-laparoscopic instruments with smaller diameter are used, then abdominal wall trauma is reduced and cosmesis is improved, but performance limitations occur including weak suction-irrigation system, poor durability, and decreased video quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from straight, parallel instrument insertion to angled, multi-dimensional instrument placement through the curved arch configuration. This allows standard-diameter instruments to be used (maintaining performance) while still achieving minimal incision benefits through the angled access paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch structure provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the housing to be positioned at various angles and orientations relative to the incision site. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of instrument trajectories for different surgical scenarios while maintaining the benefits of mini-laparoscopy.
2Quantity of substance
If standard laparoscopic instruments are placed through a single umbilical incision next to each other, then the number of incisions is reduced, but a 'chopstick effect' occurs that reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the chopstick effect by arranging multiple sealing ports at different angles along a curved arch rather than in a straight line. This angular separation in multiple dimensions prevents instrument interference and maintains surgical dexterity while still accessing the body cavity through a single incision site.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into multiple sealing ports positioned at distinct angular locations along the arch. This segmentation allows each instrument to have its own optimized trajectory and working space, eliminating the interference that occurs when instruments are placed parallel to each other.
3Length of moving object
If mini-laparoscopic instruments with smaller diameter are used, then incision size is reduced, but the instruments become more expensive and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
By using angled sealing ports in the arch configuration, the patent enables the use of standard-diameter, more durable instruments while still achieving small incision sizes. The angular access allows full-size instruments to pass through smaller openings without requiring the miniaturization that leads to fragility.
4Shape
If mini-laparoscopic instruments are used, then cosmetic outcome is improved, but the instruments have performance limitations including poor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The angled arch configuration provides a geometric solution that decouples incision size from instrument diameter. Standard-diameter instruments can be used through small incisions when accessed at angles, maintaining both cosmetic benefits and instrument durability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.