Angled Surgical Sheath Reduces Tissue Trauma and Irrigation Needs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgery within the head often results in local tissue trauma due to pressure and abrasion from surgical instruments, and the presence of liquids like mucous and blood obscures the endoscope view, necessitating frequent irrigation and suction, which complicates and prolongs procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue protection sheath with a conical flare section and angle section, made from rubber or plastic, designed to conform to the surgical space, providing a passageway for surgical instruments while reducing trauma and maintaining clear visibility by minimizing liquid obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are moved into or out of the surgical pathway, then surgical procedures can be performed, but surrounding tissues are subjected to additional trauma
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sheath is introduced as an intermediary element between the surgical instruments and the surrounding tissues. The sheath has a distal portion that contacts and protects the nasal septum and turbinates, while allowing surgical instruments to pass through its lumen. This mediator prevents direct contact between instruments and sensitive tissues, thereby reducing trauma during instrument manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sheath is constructed as a flexible shell with a distal portion made of elastomeric material that can conform to the irregular surfaces of nasal structures. This flexible shell design allows the sheath to adapt to the surgical pathway geometry while maintaining continuous contact with surrounding tissues to prevent instrument-induced trauma.
2Illumination intensity
If irrigation and suction are performed frequently to clear obstructing liquids, then endoscope view can be maintained, but surgical procedure complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath acts as a barrier that prevents soiled irrigation fluid and blood from contaminating the endoscope. By positioning the sheath around the endoscope, it creates a protective interface that keeps the endoscope surface clean, thereby maintaining clear visualization without requiring frequent interruption for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects surrounding tissues from instrument trauma, prevents liquid obstruction of the endoscope view, and allows passage of surgical instruments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective measures and frequent irrigation/suction interventions.
3Illumination intensity
If endoscope is removed, cleaned and replaced multiple times, then clear view can be maintained, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath serves as a protective intermediary that prevents soiled irrigation fluid and blood from reaching and contaminating the endoscope surface. This barrier function allows the endoscope to remain in place throughout the procedure without requiring removal for cleaning, thereby maintaining continuous visualization and reducing procedural time.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.