Deflectable Instrument Port With Pull-Wire Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In single port surgery, existing access devices often face challenges in providing sealed access for multiple instruments without conflicts, and existing steerable access devices are limited in their ability to achieve precise deflection and manipulation of instruments within the body cavity.
Innovation Solution
The development of deflectable instrument access ports with a flexible distal section and an actuator system that allows for active deflection of the instrument delivery tube, utilizing pull wires anchored within the tube to enable 360-degree deflection and precise manipulation of instruments within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single port is used to access the body cavity, then the number of incisions is reduced, but it becomes difficult to provide sealed access for multiple instruments without conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into multiple independent channels or ports within a single external housing. Each channel can independently receive and seal around a surgical instrument, allowing multiple instruments to access the body cavity simultaneously through one incision site while maintaining individual sealing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple instrument channels are nested within a single external port housing structure. The channels are arranged concentrically or in a compact configuration where smaller channels fit within or alongside larger ones, enabling multiple instruments to pass through a single access point without external conflicts
2Ease of operation
If existing steerable access devices are used, then some deflection capability is provided, but precise manipulation and 360-degree deflection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument delivery tube incorporates a flexible distal section made of elastomeric material that can bend and deflect in multiple directions. This flexible portion allows the tube to achieve 360-degree deflection and precise positioning within the body cavity while maintaining structural integrity and sealability
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional rigid mechanical steering mechanisms are replaced with a flexible tube design actuated by pull wires or shape memory alloys. The flexible tube responds to tension forces from the actuation elements to achieve precise deflection without complex mechanical joints or segments
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
Enables sealed access for multiple instruments without conflicts, allowing for precise and versatile manipulation of instruments within the body cavity, enhancing the range of motion and efficiency in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The steerable portion 106 may be deflected through the action of a tensioning device 116, such as a pull wire or control wire. As the thumbwheels 508a and 508b are rotated, the tensioning device 116 imparts a pulling force on the steerable portion 106 of sheath 102, thereby causing portion 106 to deflect.
Data Source
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AI summary
An instrument port for a single instrument comprises an elongate tube having a lumen. The elongate tube has a rigid section of fixed shape, and a more distal deflectable section. An actuator is coupled to the rigid section of the elongate tube. The actuator has an instrument pathway in communication with the lumen of the tube. The instrument pathway is positioned such that a distal, end of a medical instrument may be inserted through the instrument pathway and the lumen and out the distal end of the lumen into a body cavity. Manipulation of the instrument handle engages actuation elements that extend between the actuator and the deflectable section, causing movement of deflectable section and thus moving the instrument tip within the body. The port includes a mount that can be coupled to a stabilization arm within the operating room., allowing the port to be supported and maintained in a chosen position and orientation.