Cannula Retention Anchor Structure for Anti-Retropulsion Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical access devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent retropulsion and over-insertion during the insertion, manipulation, and withdrawal of surgical instruments, compromising the stability and integrity of the cannula within the body.

Innovation Solution

A retention anchor with an annular body and fixation body, featuring wings and a compressible collar, is used to secure the cannula to tissue, limiting longitudinal movement and stabilizing the device during surgical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If an anchor mechanism is added to prevent retropulsion, then the cannula stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention anchor is nested within the cannula structure, with the annular body positioned inside the cannula lumen and the fixation body extending outward. This nested configuration allows the anchor mechanism to be integrated into the existing cannula design without requiring separate external components, thereby improving stability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the annular body that interfaces with the cannula, the fixation body with wings that engages tissue, and the compressible collar that provides incremental adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining modularity that simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a retention mechanism is added to prevent over-insertion, then the cannula stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention anchor is nested within the cannula structure, with the annular body positioned inside the cannula lumen and the fixation body extending outward. This nested configuration allows the anchor mechanism to be integrated into the existing cannula design without requiring separate external components, thereby improving stability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention anchor is pre-positioned on the cannula before insertion, with the fixation body oriented to engage tissue at the desired depth. The compressible collar is pre-loaded to provide immediate resistance against over-insertion forces, preventing the need for additional control mechanisms during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the retention anchor structure is made more complex to improve securing effectiveness, then the anti-retropulsion capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The compressible collar provides adjustable compression force that can be incrementally increased to optimize tissue engagement. By varying the compression parameter, the system achieves reliable securing effectiveness without requiring complex mechanical interlocking structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible collar is constructed as a flexible, elastomeric component that can be compressed radially to engage tissue. This flexible shell design provides effective securing through elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical structures, simplifying manufacturing processes while ensuring reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3884887B1Retention anchor with suture tie down for surgical access devices
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3884887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3884887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3884887B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A surgical access assembly includes a cannula including an elongated shaft and a retention anchor movably positionable along the elongated shaft. The retention anchor includes an annular body and a fixation body. The annular body includes a proximally-facing surface, a distally-facing surface, an inner side surface defining an opening therethrough, and an outer side surface. The fixation body includes a disc secured to the distally-facing surface of the annular body and wings extending radially outwardly from the disc beyond the outer side surface of the annular body. The disc defines an opening therethrough and the elongated shaft extends through the openings in the annular body and the fixation body.