Cannula Assembly with Longitudinal Ribs and Balloon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical cannulas used in minimally invasive procedures tend to back out of the incision during manipulation due to pressurized environments, and existing solutions like inflatable balloons with single or double fluid paths are either ineffective or complex to manufacture, leading to issues with fluid flow and structural stability.
Innovation Solution
A surgical cannula assembly featuring an elongate cannula member with longitudinal ribs and channels, an expandable balloon, and an outer sleeve made from elastomeric material, which allows for uniform expansion and maintains structural stability through multiple fluid paths, ensuring consistent inflation even if one path is clogged, and a single conduit for controlled expansion and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluid path is used to convey inflation fluids to the balloon, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases because the fluid path may be clogged or collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The single fluid path is segmented into multiple parallel channels (first and second channels) within the cannula. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability by providing alternative flow paths if one channel becomes clogged or collapsed, while keeping each individual channel simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts fluid flow by allowing inflation fluids to automatically route through available open channels. If one channel becomes obstructed, the fluid dynamically redirects through the remaining open channel(s) to ensure continuous balloon inflation capability.
2Reliability
If a double tube design is used to convey inflation fluids, then the reliability is improved by providing multiple fluid paths, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid channels are merged into a single integrated cannula body rather than using separate double tube structures. The first and second channels are formed within the same cannula wall structure, combining the functionality of multiple tubes into one unified component that is simpler to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the surgical instrument, contains multiple fluid channels for balloon inflation, and maintains the pneumoperitoneum seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Reliability
If an inflatable balloon is added to the cannula to resist withdrawal, then the reliability of maintaining position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable balloon is nested within the cannula structure, specifically positioned at the distal end and integrated with the cannula wall. The balloon is contained within the cannula's outer perimeter when deflated and expands within the same spatial envelope, avoiding the need for separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is constructed from a flexible thin-walled material that can be collapsed into a compact form within the cannula and expanded when inflated. This flexible shell structure provides the necessary position-stabilizing force while maintaining a low-profile configuration during insertion and storage.
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 cannula assembly effectively resists withdrawal from the tissue site, maintains pneumoperitoneum integrity, and simplifies manufacturing by ensuring reliable fluid flow and structural stability, reducing the risk of cannula displacement during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable balloon is configured to transition from an initial unexpanded condition to an at least partially expanded condition upon passage and entry of inflation fluids through the conduit and within an internal volume of the expandable balloon
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cannula assembly includes an elongate cannula member having a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along the longitudinal axis with adjacent longitudinal ribs defining a longitudinal channel therebetween, a fluid port mounted adjacent the proximal end of the cannula member and configured for coupling to a source of inflation fluids, a conduit positioned within at least one longitudinal channel of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the fluid port, and an expandable balloon mounted adjacent the distal end of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the conduit. The expandable balloon is configured to transition from an initial unexpanded condition to an at least partially expanded condition upon passage and entry of inflation fluids from the fluid port, through the conduit and within an internal volume of the expandable balloon.