Surgical Cannula Inflatable Membrane Anchor Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical cannulas lack an effective mechanism to anchor and seal securely to the incision site and surgical instruments, often resulting in inadequate pressure gradients and post-procedure discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A surgical cannula with an inflatable outer membrane and a cap that moves relative to the casing to isolate ports, allowing for discrete control of flow paths to anchor and seal the cannula to the incision site and instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an inflatable membrane is used to seal the cannula to the incision site, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the ability to create a positive pressure gradient is lost because the membrane pressure equals the body cavity pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidpressure gradient

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is divided into two separate membranes: an outer membrane that seals to the incision site and an inner membrane that seals to the surgical instrument. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each membrane, enabling the outer membrane to create a positive pressure gradient while the inner membrane maintains sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer membrane acts as an intermediary between the body cavity and the inner sealing system. By inflating the outer membrane to a pressure higher than the body cavity pressure, it creates a positive pressure gradient that enhances sealing effectiveness without requiring the inner membrane to bear the full pressure load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If rigid protrusions are used to anchor the cannula to the incision site, then the anchoring strength is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to post-procedure discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula uses a flexible outer membrane made of elastomeric material to anchor to the incision site instead of rigid protrusions. This flexible membrane can be inflated to create anchoring force while conforming to the surrounding tissue, providing secure anchoring without the post-procedure discomfort associated with rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring mechanism transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable flexible membrane whose physical state (inflated/deflated) can be changed. By inflating the outer membrane, anchoring strength is increased; by deflating it, the cannula can be easily removed, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining anchoring strength during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single sealed lumen is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to individually control flow paths to the outer and inner membranes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidflow path control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid delivery system is segmented into separate flow paths: a first flow channel that delivers fluid to the outer membrane and a second flow channel that delivers fluid to the inner membrane. This segmentation enables independent control of each membrane's inflation state, providing versatility in flow path management while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves a secure anchor and seal, reducing the risk of involuntary removal and enhancing the seal around medical instruments, while also allowing for controlled pressure to maintain cannula position.

Implementation Method 1

the outer membrane is filled with insufflated liquid to seal the cannula to the incision site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInsufflation:

Implementation Method 2

there is no positive pressure gradient from the inflated internal membrane to the body cavity for a positive seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the cap is moved in a distal direction to fluidically isolate or seal said at least one port from the outer membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid isolation:

Implementation Method 4

When the outer membrane is compressed, the body cavity may be pressurized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS12251131B2Simplified surgical cannula

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 MIKOL EDWARD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are multiple cannulas defining a lumen sized and dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments, an inflatable outer membrane attached to an outer surface of the cannula, and at least one activator that reversibly pressurizes a fluid contained in the outer membrane to fill or pressurize the outer membrane.