Cannula Assembly With Nested Adapter For Multi-Scale Instrument Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgical procedures require multiple trocars of different sizes for various instruments, leading to increased incisions and complexity, especially in robotically assisted surgeries where a single versatile trocar that maintains pressure and accommodates instruments of different diameters is lacking.
Innovation Solution
A cannula assembly with an adapter system that includes a 12 mm robotic cannula and an insert tube with a duckbill seal, allowing for the use of instruments with 8 mm and 12 mm diameters, featuring a toggle valve for gas control and a clamping collar for secure attachment, designed for compatibility with the da Vinci Surgical System.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trocars of different sizes are used for various instruments, then different sized instruments can be accommodated, but the number of incisions and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is designed with a universal 12mm outer diameter that can accommodate multiple instrument sizes (8mm and 12mm instruments) through a single incision site. The adapter system allows the same cannula to function with different instrument diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized trocars and reducing the number of incisions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is nested within the cannula housing, and the insert tube is nested within the adapter's central passage. This nested configuration allows the 8mm insert tube to be housed within the 12mm cannula structure, enabling size adaptation while maintaining a single external footprint and reducing procedural complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single cannula assembly is used for instruments of different sizes, then the number of incisions is reduced, but maintaining pressure regulation and sealing for different diameters becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a duckbill seal specifically positioned at its distal end to seal around instruments of different diameters. The insert tube includes an additional seal at its proximal end, creating localized sealing zones that adapt to the specific instrument diameter being used, thereby maintaining reliable pressure regulation regardless of instrument size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the 12mm cannula and instruments of varying sizes (8mm or 12mm). This intermediate element provides the necessary sealing interface that adapts to different instrument diameters while maintaining the pressure integrity of the pneumoperitoneum, solving the pressure regulation challenge.
3Measurement precision
If robotically assisted procedures are performed, then precision and control are enhanced, but the need for specialized robotic-compatible trocars increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is designed with a standardized 12mm outer diameter and robotic manipulation interface that serves as a universal access point for both 8mm and 12mm instruments used in robotic procedures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized robotic trocars, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision and control required for robotic-assisted surgery.
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
Enables the use of a single cannula assembly for instruments of varying sizes within robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery, maintaining pneumoperitoneum pressure and reducing the need for multiple incisions, while enhancing precision and control through robotic manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
Sealing elements or mechanisms typically include a duckbill-type valve made of a relatively pliable material, to seal around an outer surface of surgical instruments passing through the trocar
Implementation Method 2
a toggle valve operatively associated with the connector port for controlling the flow of gas to the adapter
Implementation Method 3
a clamping collar operatively associated with the upper housing of the adapter for releasably securing the adapter to the proximal housing portion of the cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula assembly for use in robotic surgery is disclosed that includes a robotic cannula having a housing with an open end and a tubular portion extending distally from the housing, the tubular portion being dimensioned to accommodate passage of a surgical instrument having a 12 mm diameter, an adapter assembly configured for engagement within the open end of the cannula housing and including a tubular body with a passage supporting a primary seal dimensioned to accommodate passage of a surgical instrument having a 12 mm diameter, and an insert tube dimensioned to extend through the passage of the body portion of the adapter assembly and the tubular portion of the robotic cannula, the insert tube including a head portion with a passage supporting a secondary seal dimensioned to accommodate a surgical instrument having an 8 mm diameter.