Surgical Cannula Rifling for Debris Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical devices face issues with fluid, tissue, and debris accumulation in channels, leading to compromised functionality due to adhesion and blockages, which affects the flow and proper operation of suction-based devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of divertors or rifling along the suction pathway within the surgical device to enhance fluid, tissue, and debris flow, including features like spiral patterns, rounded profiles, and double helix configurations on the inner surfaces of cannulas and suction bores to prevent adhesion and facilitate smooth evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction is employed to remove fluid, tissue and debris, then fluid and debris are evacuated from the surgical site, but tissue and debris adhere to the side of the channel causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved or helical divertors along the channel walls instead of straight surfaces. These curved structures guide the flow of fluid and debris along the channel, preventing direct contact and adhesion to the channel walls, thereby maintaining reliable device functionality while preserving evacuation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The channel is divided into multiple segments by incorporating divertors at intervals along its length. These divertors create multiple flow paths and prevent continuous contact between debris and the channel wall, reducing adhesion and blockage formation while maintaining effective debris removal
2Reliability
If tissue and debris build up in the channel, then adhesion occurs compromising device function, but increasing channel size increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than redesigning the entire channel structure, the patent applies divertors only in specific locations where adhesion is most likely to occur. This localized modification maintains device simplicity while effectively preventing blockages in critical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The curved or helical divertors are integrated into the existing channel structure with minimal additional complexity. These smooth curved surfaces guide flow without creating sharp edges or complex geometries, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while preventing debris adhesion
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 implementation of divertors and rifling improves the flow of fluids and debris, reducing the likelihood of blockages and ensuring consistent device performance by preventing tissue and debris from adhering to the inner surfaces, thus maintaining the device's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow cannula has at least one of the group consisting of divertors and rifling on at least a portion of an inside surface... The diverters may be straight, curved, or in a helical pattern. The diverters may also be in a double helix pattern. The rifling may be in a curved or a helical pattern. The rifling may also be in a double helix pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device having a body with a proximal end and a distal end; a hollow cannula extending from the distal end of the body, the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; an operative head positioned at the distal end of the cannula; and a suction connector in fluid communication with the hollow cannula, the suction connector being configured for connection to a suction source; wherein the hollow cannula has at least one of the group consisting of diverters and rifling on at least a portion of an inside surface.