Disposable Camera Bridge and Instrument Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), the use of distinct camera bridges and instrument cannulas leads to inefficiency and unnecessary expense due to the need for multiple components at different locations, each serving a specific purpose.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cannula manufactured primarily from plastic that serves as both a camera bridge and an instrument or tool cannula, with features like a camera receptacle, irrigating fluid ports, and a cap with a valve or seal assembly, allowing it to function as a camera bridge, access port, and closure port, reducing the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct camera bridges and instrument cannulas are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of components increases leading to higher cost and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is designed with a attachment structure that can securely receive either a camera assembly or a cap structure, enabling a single device to serve multiple functions: as a camera bridge, an instrument cannula, or a closure port. This multi-functionality directly reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining optimized performance for each specific use case.
2Reliability
If multiple sterilizable components are used, then reusability and cost-effectiveness improve, but the complexity of sterilization processes and component management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is designed as a disposable device that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. This approach trades the reusability benefit against the simplicity of single-use disposal, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability through sterile packaging and single-use guarantees.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable plastic cannulas are used, then cost and simplicity improve, but the ability to reuse and sterilize between procedures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula assembly is designed as a disposable device that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. This approach trades the reusability benefit against the simplicity of single-use disposal, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability through sterile packaging and single-use guarantees.
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive surgery (MIS) cannula that is manufactured primarily from a plastic material such that it is disposable and that serves as both a camera bridge, to which a camera may be coupled, and an instrument or tool cannula or port, through which an instrument or tool may be used. The cannula optionally includes one or more ports to which an irrigating fluid line may be attached to enhance site visibility and access and a camera receptacle to which a camera can be affixed. When the camera is not used, a cap may be attached to the cannula using the camera receptacle and may include a valve or seal assembly or the like through which an instrument or tool may be used. The cap and valve or seal assembly or the like may also accommodate a camera and arthroscope attachment. Otherwise, the cap may simply seal the cannula.