Collapsible Proximal Ring Wound Protector for Single-Practitioner Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound protectors require cumbersome rolling of the proximal ring to secure the flexible sleeve against the patient's abdominal wall, making it difficult for a single practitioner to efficiently position and secure the device during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible wound protector design featuring a circumferentially collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve that forms a frusto-conical shape, allowing the proximal ring to be manually squeezed into a collapsed state for easy insertion and then expanded to tighten the sleeve against the wound, with optional expansion members to facilitate secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the proximal ring is rolled to gather the flexible sleeve around the proximal ring, then the wound protector can be secured against the patient, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult for a single practitioner to perform efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal ring is designed to be dynamically changeable between expanded and collapsed states. The ring includes collapsible elements that allow it to transition from an expanded state (for securing the sleeve) to a collapsed state (for easy insertion and manipulation), resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal ring is divided into multiple segments or collapsible elements that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the ring to be collapsed into a compact form for easy insertion by a single practitioner, then expanded to securely gather and secure the flexible sleeve around the patient's tissue.
2Productivity
If the proximal ring is collapsed to reduce size for insertion, then the device can be easily positioned through the incision, but the ring must be manually manipulated which increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal ring is pre-configured with collapsible elements and expansion mechanisms that allow it to be quickly transitioned between states. The ring can be collapsed in advance for insertion, then rapidly expanded using the built-in expansion mechanism, reducing the time required for manual manipulation compared to traditional rolling methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual rolling action is replaced with a mechanical expansion mechanism integrated into the proximal ring. This mechanism uses springs, levers, or other mechanical elements to automatically expand the ring when activated, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual rolling operations while maintaining insertion efficiency.
3Reliability
If the flexible sleeve is pulled tight against the wound, then a secure seal is achieved, but the proximal ring must be in the expanded state which requires more space for manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal ring dynamically transitions between collapsed and expanded states based on the procedural requirements. During insertion, the ring is collapsed to minimize space and facilitate manipulation. Once the flexible sleeve is in position, the ring is expanded to securely gather and tighten the sleeve around the incision, achieving a tight seal without excessive complexity in state management.
Data Source
AI summary
The wound protector has an annularly collapsible proximal ring and a flexible sleeve extends between the proximal ring and distal ring. After positioning of the distal ring in a wound, the proximal ring is expanded to draw the sleeve taut between the rings and is drawn tight against the wound. In one embodiment, the proximal ring includes a bent hollow tube with an arcuate rod in the tube bridging the open ends of the tube and a compression spring extending within the tube against the ends of the rod to bias the proximal ring into an extended state. Finger grips on the ends of the tube allow for squeezing of the tube into a collapsed state.