Bendable Optical Trocar Assembly for Curved Anatomical Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical trocars lack flexibility and precision in navigating complex anatomical structures during surgical procedures, particularly in avoiding vital organs like the lung or heart, and do not provide adequate visualization and control over endoscope positioning.

Innovation Solution

A bendable optical trocar assembly with a tunneling shaft that can be curved to accommodate patient anatomy, featuring a constriction mechanism to secure the endoscope, an optical window for visualization, and a deployable cutting tool for precise tissue dissection, along with an orientation indicator and optical material to enhance visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid optical trocar is used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility to navigate complex anatomical structures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to navigate anatomical structuresVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The trocar assembly is divided into multiple segments including a bendable shaft portion with articulation joints that allow flexible navigation while maintaining structural integrity. The shaft can be segmented into rigid and flexible portions to achieve both navigation capability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical trocar incorporates dynamic elements including a bendable shaft that can change its configuration during insertion, and an adjustable constriction mechanism that dynamically secures the endoscope at different positions along the insertion pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a straight insertion pathway is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but precision in avoiding vital organs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in avoiding vital organsVSAvoidinsertion pathway complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion pathway is designed with curved configurations rather than straight lines, allowing the trocar to navigate around vital organs. The shaft includes curved segments that enable precise angular positioning to avoid critical structures while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion pathway parameters including angle, curvature radius, and path length are optimized to balance precision in avoiding vital organs with manufacturing complexity. The constriction mechanism allows adjustment of pathway parameters during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the endoscope is freely movable in the insertion pathway, then ease of repositioning is improved, but stability during visualization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repositioning endoscopeVSAvoidendoscope stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The constriction mechanism provides dynamic control over endoscope positioning, allowing the endoscope to be securely held at desired locations while enabling easy repositioning when needed. The mechanism can be engaged or disengaged based on procedural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The constriction mechanism acts as an intermediary between the insertion pathway and the endoscope, providing controlled interaction that maintains stability during visualization while allowing intentional repositioning through manual manipulation of the constriction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If adequate constriction force is applied to secure the endoscope, then endoscope stability is improved, but risk of damaging the endoscope increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscope stabilityVSAvoidendoscope damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The constriction mechanism includes parameters that can be adjusted including the degree of constriction and the position along the insertion pathway. This allows optimization of stability while minimizing damage risk through controlled parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The constriction mechanism is designed with features that distribute constriction force to prevent localized damage to the endoscope. The mechanism includes cushioning elements that prevent excessive pressure points while maintaining sufficient grip for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250221737A1Bendable optical trocar assembly

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

The technology disclosed herein relates to, in part, an assembly having a handle and a tunneling shaft coupled to the handle. The tunneling shaft extends from the handle to a distal end, where a portion of the tunneling shaft extends in a curved orientation between the handle and the distal end. An optical window is disposed at the distal end of the tunneling shaft. An insertion pathway extends through the handle and the tunneling shaft to the optical window. A constriction mechanism is coupled to the handle and defines a portion of the insertion pathway. The constriction mechanism is configured to selectively constrict the insertion pathway. An endoscope is configured to be inserted in the handle to the optical window along the insertion pathway.