Cannula Assembly With Suction Cup Seal for Off-Axis Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannula assemblies struggle to maintain pneumoperitoneum while allowing adjustable manipulation of surgical instrumentation without compromising the seal.
Innovation Solution
A cannula assembly with a suction cup seal and a locking mechanism, comprising a compressible suction cup and a locking component, which forms a fluid-tight seal against tissue to stabilize the cannula and maintain pneumoperitoneum during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional seal mechanism is used in the cannula assembly, then the pneumoperitoneum pressure is maintained, but the ability to adjust or manipulate surgical instrumentation without compromising the seal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to deform and adapt its shape as surgical instruments are manipulated. The elastomeric material enables the seal to dynamically adjust to different instrument positions and orientations while maintaining the pneumatic seal, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing component utilizes changes in physical parameters, specifically the deformability and elasticity of the elastomeric material. By allowing the seal to change its physical state from rigid to flexible during instrument manipulation, it maintains the pneumatic seal while accommodating various surgical instrument configurations, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the cannula assembly is secured rigidly to maintain seal, then pneumoperitoneum is maintained, but off-axis movement and adjustable manipulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing component is constructed as a flexible elastomeric structure that can deform under off-axis forces while maintaining the pneumatic seal. This flexible shell design allows the cannula assembly to move and adjust during surgical procedures without compromising the seal, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a complex locking mechanism is added to allow adjustment, then ease of manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting and self-locking through the elastic deformation of the sealing component itself. The elastomeric material naturally provides the locking function through its memory effect and elastic recovery, eliminating the need for complex external locking structures. This resolves the contradiction by providing ease of manipulation through a simple, self-service mechanism.
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 suction cup seal effectively maintains pneumoperitoneum and allows for off-axis movement of the cannula, facilitating adjustable manipulation of surgical instruments while preventing gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing component is formed of a compressible material to create suction when pressed against tissue to form fluid-tight seals against tissue
Implementation Method 2
The sealing component is formed of a compressible material to create suction when pressed against tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula assembly is utilized during a minimally invasive surgery to provide sealed access of a surgical instrument to an insufflated body cavity. The cannula assembly includes a cannula sleeve and a suction cup that is adjustably positionable on the cannula sleeve. The suction cup is formed of a compressible material such that when the suction cup is compressed or pressed against tissue by a clinician, the suction cup creates suction and engages tissue in a sealing relation.