Cannula Gas Flow Channels for Laparoscopic Smoke Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical trocars face challenges in maintaining effective gas flow and smoke evacuation during laparoscopic procedures, especially when using instruments with larger diameters, which can obstruct vision and hinder insufflation, due to the design of traditional cannulas that do not adequately accommodate gas flow paths while allowing for instrument passage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of gas flow channels within the cannula's inner surface, which are designed to maintain a persistent gas flow path even when a surgical instrument shaft of maximum permissible diameter is inserted, facilitating both smoke evacuation and insufflation by creating additional pathways that bypass the instrument shaft, ensuring continuous gas flow and maintaining an insufflated state within the abdominal cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surgical instrument shaft of maximum permissible diameter is inserted through the cannula lumen, then the instrument can access the surgical site effectively, but the gas flow path becomes obstructed, preventing effective insufflation and smoke evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula inner surface is segmented into multiple gas flow channels instead of relying on a single central lumen. These channels are distributed around the circumference, allowing gas to flow through multiple pathways simultaneously, which maintains effective gas flow even when an instrument occupies part of the space
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow channels are formed by creating recesses in the inner surface of the cannula, transitioning from a simple cylindrical lumen to a multi-dimensional flow path structure. This dimensional change allows gas to flow in multiple directions and through multiple channels, bypassing the instrument shaft
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cannula design is used, then the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but smoke evacuation is hindered and vision obstruction occurs during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The single lumen is segmented into multiple gas flow channels by creating circumferential recesses in the inner surface. This segmentation creates multiple evacuation pathways for smoke and gas, improving visibility by preventing smoke accumulation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece construction
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula inner surface is designed with a porous-like structure consisting of multiple channels and recesses that allow gas and smoke to pass through. This structure enhances smoke evacuation capability while maintaining the structural integrity and simplicity of the cannula
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cannula lumen is fully occupied by an instrument shaft, then maximum instrument access is achieved, but gas exchange is prevented, compromising insufflation
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into multiple channels distributed around the cannula circumference. When an instrument shaft occupies the central region, gas can still flow through the multiple peripheral channels, ensuring continuous gas exchange and maintaining insufflation despite full instrument occupancy
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple gas flow channels serve dual functions: they provide gas flow paths when the lumen is empty and continue to provide gas exchange when an instrument is inserted. This multi-functionality ensures that the cannula maintains its insufflation capability regardless of instrument presence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A surgical access device includes a proximal end portion configured to support a seal assembly (130) having an insufflation port (140). The device includes a cannula tube (204) extending distally from the proximal end portion and having an inner surface (210) that defines a lumen (212) extending longitudinally through the cannula tube (204). The cannula tube (204) is configured to be inserted distally through a body cavity (1) wall of a patient, and the lumen (212) is configured to guide a surgical instrument shaft (252) distally through the cannula tube (204) for accessing a body cavity (1) of the patient. The device includes a channel (220) formed in the inner surface (210) of the cannula tube (204). The channel (220) extends longitudinally between a proximal end of the lumen and a distal end of the lumen and the channel (220) is configured to direct a gas therethrough to or from the insufflation port (140) of the seal assembly (130) while a surgical instrument shaft (252) is disposed within the lumen (212).