Balloon Laparoscope Stabilizing Element and Flexible Trocar Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balloon laparoscopes face issues with maintaining image quality when moved within the abdominal cavity due to balloon contact with organs or blood vessels, and trocar sleeves are not designed for long-term use, leading to potential patient discomfort and internal injuries.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing element is introduced at the attachment point between the balloon and tubular body to prevent kinking, and a flexible trocar sleeve is designed to absorb movement forces, ensuring secure fixation and reducing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the balloon is moved within the abdominal cavity to visualize different areas, then the ability to perform follow-up checks without general anesthesia is improved, but the balloon wall comes into contact with organs or blood vessels causing the balloon to kink at its base, which deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element is integrated into the tubular body structure, creating a segmented system where the stabilizing element acts as a separate functional component within the tubular body to prevent balloon kinking while allowing movement
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing element is pre-positioned within the tubular body before balloon insertion, so that when the balloon is inflated and moved, the stabilizing element is already in place to prevent kinking at the attachment point, maintaining optimal optical distances throughout the movement
2Duration of action of moving object
If a commonly used trocar sleeve is used for long-term insertion to perform follow-up checks, then the ability to perform repeated examinations is improved, but the trocar sleeve becomes loose due to patient movements, which deteriorates patient safety
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar sleeve is designed with flexible material that can dynamically adapt to patient movements and abdominal wall changes, allowing the sleeve to remain secure and comfortable during long-term insertion for follow-up checks
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar sleeve material properties are changed to be flexible, allowing it to accommodate physiological movements while maintaining secure insertion, thus enabling long-term use without compromising patient safety
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon laparoscope for diagnostic and/or minimally invasive procedures is described. The balloon laparoscope comprises a tubular body with a balloon attached to its distal end. The interior of the balloon is in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular body, allowing the balloon to be inflated by introducing fluid through the lumen. A stabilizing element for the balloon is provided at the junction between the balloon and the tubular body. This element prevents or at least hinders the rotation of the expanded balloon relative to the tubular body. A trocar sleeve for the balloon laparoscope and a closure insert for such a trocar sleeve are also described.