Cannula Collapsible Anchor Prevents Tissue Tearing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Cannula assemblies used in endoscopic surgical procedures often cause tissue tearing due to external forces applied with the fixation device deployed, as existing solutions do not effectively manage the removal of the cannula without damaging the skin.

Innovation Solution

A cannula assembly design featuring a collapsible sleeve with a deformable mesh material and a deployable anchor member, which automatically deactivates when excessive force is applied, allowing for safe removal without tissue damage, and includes a seal assembly, grip assembly, and a frustoconical end cap for secure anchoring and adhesive application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fixation device is deployed to secure the cannula assembly within the body cavity, then the cannula assembly is firmly anchored and cannot be accidentally removed, but the skin is subject to tearing or ripping when large force is applied to the cannula assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidtissue tearing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation device transitions from a static anchored state to a dynamic collapsible state when excessive force is detected. The collapsible sleeve with deformable mesh material allows the anchor member to automatically collapse and deactivate under excessive external force, transforming the fixed structure into a movable one to prevent tissue damage while maintaining secure anchoring during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the anchor member changes based on applied force parameters. Under normal conditions, the anchor member maintains its expanded anchored configuration. When excessive force is applied, the deformable mesh material undergoes structural transformation, changing the anchor's configuration from expanded to collapsed, thereby adjusting the fixation strength parameter to prevent tissue tearing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the anchor member is made of rigid material to ensure strong anchoring, then the fixation strength is high, but the anchor member cannot deform to allow safe removal without tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoiddeformability for safe removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor member is constructed from deformable mesh material that combines the strength needed for secure anchoring with the flexibility required for safe removal. This composite structure integrates both rigid and flexible properties, allowing the anchor to maintain high fixation strength during normal use while being capable of deformation under excessive force to enable safe removal without tissue damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical properties of the anchor member are dynamically adjusted through parameter changes. The deformable mesh material allows the anchor to transition between a rigid anchored state for strong fixation and a flexible collapsible state for safe removal, changing its structural parameters based on the operational requirements and applied forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 minimizes tissue tearing by automatically deactivating the anchor member when excessive force is applied, facilitating safe removal and maintaining a secure seal during procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The sleeve has a deformable mesh material with a deployable anchor member... Movement of the proximal portion of the sleeve towards the distal portion of the sleeve causes the anchor member to move radially outward... The anchor member is formed of a material that is configured to allow movement of the anchor member inwardly towards the cannula shaft when a force is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3549537B1Cannula assembly with collapsible fixation device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3549537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549537B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549537B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cannula assembly includes a housing supporting a seal assembly, a cannula shaft extending from the housing, and a sleeve positioned about the cannula shaft including an inner fixation device that is supported on a distal end of the cannula shaft. The inner fixation device includes an anchor member that is deployable within a body cavity to obstruct withdrawal of the cannula assembly from within the body cavity. The anchor member is formed of a material that will deactivate or allow removal of the catheter assembly from the body cavity when the anchor member is deployed and an excessive force is applied to the cannula assembly to prevent ripping or tearing of tissue.