Asymmetric Surface Features for Surgical Access Port Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access systems in orthopedic and neurosurgery are prone to ejection due to muscle resistance, causing slippage and tissue damage, and securing methods like anchors or staples are invasive and hinder repositioning.
Innovation Solution
Surface features such as teeth, hooks, scales, fins, bristles, braids, and threads on the access port that minimize friction during insertion and increase friction to prevent ejection, allowing for secure retention and easy withdrawal without damaging surrounding tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface features are designed to minimize friction during insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but retention against ejection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface features (teeth, hooks, scales, fins, bristles, braids, or threads) are positioned specifically on the outer surface of the access port where tissue contact occurs. These features create localized friction zones that engage with surrounding tissue to prevent ejection, while the overall surface configuration maintains low friction during insertion by allowing tissue to glide over the features in the insertion direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface features are configured with asymmetric geometry that provides direction-dependent friction characteristics. The features are shaped to offer minimal resistance during forward insertion (gliding action) but create significant friction and mechanical engagement during reverse movement (ejection prevention). This asymmetric design allows the same surface to serve both insertion and retention functions effectively.
2Reliability
If anchors or staples are used to secure the access system, then retention against ejection is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface features are integrated directly into the access port structure as a disposable, non-invasive retention mechanism. Rather than using separate anchors or staples that require tissue penetration, the access port itself incorporates surface features that provide adequate retention through friction and mechanical engagement with surrounding tissue, eliminating the need for additional invasive securing elements.
3Reliability
If anchors or staples are used to secure the access system, then retention against ejection is improved, but device repositioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The surface features provide dynamic retention that adapts to surgical needs. During insertion and initial positioning, the features engage with tissue to prevent ejection. However, because they rely on friction rather than mechanical anchoring, the access port can be repositioned by applying sufficient force to overcome the friction, allowing surgeons to adjust positioning as needed during the procedure without being permanently fixed.
4Reliability
If surface features increase friction to prevent ejection, then retention against ejection is improved, but ease of withdrawal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface features are designed to provide direction-dependent friction characteristics. During normal operation, the features engage with tissue to prevent ejection (increased friction in reverse direction). However, during intentional withdrawal, the features can be disengaged by applying force in the insertion direction, which causes the features to flex or rotate and reduce friction, enabling smooth removal without excessive force or tissue damage.
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 surface features effectively prevent ejection of the access port, reducing tissue damage and facilitating repositioning during surgery while maintaining a clear access path.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface contacts the tissue during advancement of the access device in an insertion direction into a body of a patient, and is configured to minimize friction between the first surface and tissue
Implementation Method 2
the second surface contacts the tissue during advancement of the access device in a direction opposite to the insertion direction to prevent proximal movement of the device out of the body, and is configured to increase friction between the second surface and tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Surface features for device retention are disclosed herein, e.g., for retaining an access port within a patient during a surgical procedure. The surface features can prevent ejection of the access port from a body of a patient. The surface features can be positioned along the access port and configured to glide along body tissues with minimal friction so as not to hinder travel of the access port in an insertion direction. After insertion of the access port, the surface features can engage with surrounding tissue to increase friction therebetween and to prevent ejection of the access port from the patient. Deployment of the surface features can occur due to friction with the surrounding tissue and/or via activation of the surface features to protrude from the access port. The surface features can include teeth, hooks, scales, fins, bristles, braids, and/or threads for engaging tissue. The surface features can be disengaged from the tissue to enable withdrawal of the access port without damaging the surrounding tissue.