Arcuate-to-Planar Balloon Device for Trauma-Free Laparoscopic Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic surgery methods often cause trauma to biological structures due to the use of traditional retraction tools, which can lead to damage during procedures that require access and manipulation of vasculature, neural tissue, or organs.

Innovation Solution

A device with an arcuate distal end that transitions from a curved to a planar configuration upon inflation, allowing for partial isolation and support of target biological structures without causing trauma, and optionally includes hemostatic balloons for bleeding control, enabling multidirectional access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional retractor tools are used to retract biological structures, then access to target structures is improved, but trauma to surrounding structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to target structuresVSAvoidtrauma to surrounding structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane that can conform to and gently support biological structures without causing trauma. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that provides access while protecting surrounding tissues from damage, replacing rigid retractors with a compliant structure that adapts to the delicate anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane serves as an intermediary between the surgical tools and the biological structures. Rather than allowing direct contact between rigid instruments and delicate tissues, the membrane mediates the interaction, providing a protective interface that enables access while minimizing harm to surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If balloon dissection tools are used to separate tissue, then isolation of target structures is improved, but risk of damage to neural tissue and vasculature increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation of target structuresVSAvoiddamage to neural tissue and vasculature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane provides gentle separation and isolation of target structures without the traumatic force of balloon dissection tools. The membrane's compliance allows it to navigate delicate anatomical planes and separate tissues while protecting neural tissue and vasculature from mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the aggressive mechanical dissection mechanism with a gentler system based on flexible membrane positioning and support. Instead of using force to separate tissues, the membrane is positioned to naturally divide and isolate structures, substituting traumatic mechanical action with a more delicate supportive mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If rigid retraction tools are used to provide access, then surgical manipulation is improved, but trauma to biological structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical manipulationVSAvoidtrauma to biological structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane provides surgical manipulation capabilities while eliminating trauma associated with rigid tools. The membrane can be positioned to create working spaces and support structures, allowing surgical instruments to maneuver effectively without the need for traumatic retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using rigid tools to forcefully retract and create access, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible membrane to gently support and position structures, creating access through support rather than through forceful retraction. This reverses the traditional paradigm of aggressive manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device effectively isolates and supports target biological structures, reducing trauma and facilitating surgical procedures by providing a stable, trauma-free environment for manipulation and access during laparoscopic surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the one or more balloons is deflated in the first state and each of the one or more balloons is inflated in the second state. The distal end of the main body is configured to deform to be substantially planar when each of the one or more balloons are inflated in the second state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12193885B2Devices and methods for partly isolating a target biological structure

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for partly isolating a target biological structure. The device may include a main body comprising a front face and a rear face, the main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may be arcuate in a first state and may be substantially planar in a second state. The device may further include one or more balloons disposed on the distal end of the main body. Each of the one or more balloons is deflated in the first state and each of the one or more balloons is inflated in the second state. The distal end of the main body is configured to deform to be substantially planar when each of the one or more balloons are inflated in the second state.