Cannula Seal Assembly with Tri-Slit Seals and Suture Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seal assemblies for cannulas in arthroscopic procedures suffer from excessive leakage, instrument-induced seal damage, and suture management challenges, making them less effective and more difficult for surgeons to use in tight operative spaces.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly with a housing featuring a first and second tri-slit seal, a central opening, and a cap with suture retaining features, where the seals are offset and interlock to minimize leakage and accommodate instruments of varying sizes, and the third seal is made of a polymer to reduce wear, eliminating the need for a spray shield and enhancing suture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spray shield is added to cover the seal assembly to prevent fluid spray, then fluid leakage is reduced, but the device size increases and operational space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray shield function is merged with the third seal assembly. The third seal serves dual purposes: sealing against shafted instruments and preventing fluid spray. This integration eliminates the need for a separate spray shield component, reducing device size while maintaining fluid leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The third seal is designed to perform multiple functions: it seals against shafted instruments and simultaneously acts as a spray shield to contain fluid spray. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the seal assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are used to prevent leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the complexity of the seal assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is segmented into three distinct seals, each with a specific function: the first seal seals against sutures, the second seal provides additional sealing, and the third seal seals against shafted instruments while acting as a spray shield. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The three seals are arranged co-axially in a nested configuration, with each seal positioned within the same central axis. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the seal assembly while maintaining the benefits of multiple sealing layers.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If seals are made durable to withstand instrument insertion, then seal longevity is improved, but flexibility to accommodate varying instrument sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each seal is designed with specific local properties suited to its function. The first seal has properties optimized for sealing against flexible sutures, while the third seal has properties optimized for sealing against rigid shafted instruments. This local optimization allows each seal to be durable for its specific purpose while the overall assembly accommodates varying instrument types.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly uses different materials for different seals to optimize performance. The third seal, which contacts shafted instruments, is made from a polymer material that provides both durability and flexibility. This composite approach allows the assembly to withstand various instrument insertions while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The seal assembly is located in the proximal portion of the housing and includes a first seal including a first tri-slit, a second seal disposed co-axially and proximal to the first seal and including a second tri-slit, and a third seal disposed co-axially to the first seal and the second seal and including a central opening. A cap is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and adjacent the third seal and includes a plurality of suture retaining features, such as tabs, for management of sutures during surgery. Fluid leakage out of the cannula, during surgery, is substantially reduced due to the leakage being limited to a channel defined by the first tri-slit, the second tri-slit, and the central opening.