Chest Drainage Tube Insertion Instrument with Curved Ramp

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional procedure for inserting a chest drainage tube into the pleural cavity requires significant manual dexterity and can be time-consuming, relying on the surgeon's finger and clamp for manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical instrument that circumscribes the chest drainage tube, featuring a ramp at the distal end for alignment with the pleural cavity during insertion, and is openable for lateral withdrawal, reducing the need for manual dexterity and simplifying the insertion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion using finger and clamp is used, then the surgeon can manipulate the chest drainage tube, but the procedure is time-consuming and requires significant manual dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual dexterityVSAvoidinsertion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the chest drainage tube. It provides a mechanical guide and holder that circumscribes the tube during insertion, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation with fingers and clamps. The instrument's structured channels and holding mechanisms enable precise tube placement without requiring significant manual dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system (finger and clamp) with a dedicated mechanical insertion instrument. This instrument uses rigid structures, defined channels, and mechanical holding features to guide and secure the chest drainage tube during insertion, substituting the surgeon's manual skills with a standardized mechanical system that improves both ease of operation and insertion speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation with clamp is used, then the chest drainage tube can be positioned, but the procedure is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidinsertion procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a guide portion for initial insertion, a holding portion that circumscribes the chest drainage tube, and a release mechanism for lateral withdrawal. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall insertion procedure while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is designed with pre-formed channels and holding structures that are prepared in advance to receive and guide the chest drainage tube. The ramp at the distal end is pre-configured to cause the tube to bend into alignment with the pleural cavity automatically during insertion, eliminating the need for complex real-time manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the instrument circumscribes the chest drainage tube, then proper placement and alignment are ensured, but the instrument structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube placement precisionVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument incorporates a ramp structure at the distal end that creates a curved path for the chest drainage tube. This curved geometry naturally guides the tube into the correct alignment with the pleural cavity, ensuring precise placement without requiring complex active control mechanisms. The curvature is built into the instrument's geometry rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9694164B2Medical instrument for inserting a chest drainage tube

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 HILL DAVID A

AI summary

A single stage instrument is used to insert a chest drainage tube into the inter-pleural space to facilitate drainage. The instrument is scissor-like with cylinder-like channels to slidably enclose the distal section of the tube therein when closed. The tip of the instrument is curved to enter the skin incision and the offset pleural incision whereafter the instrument is rotated 180 degrees to align the curved tip with the pleural space. The curved tip facilitates sliding the chest drainage tube through the instrument to effect sufficient insertion length. Once the instrument is in place, the tube is slid along the instrument to ensure that all drainage holes in the chest drainage tube are within the pleural cavity. Thereafter, the instrument is withdrawn leaving the chest drainage tube in place. After withdrawal of the instrument, it is opened laterally for lateral disengagement with the chest drainage tube.