Dual-Balloon Access Port for Sealed Laparoscopic Insufflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trocars face difficulties in accessing the abdominal cavity safely and efficiently for laparoscopic procedures due to issues like non-exclusive access to the posterior cul de sac and inadequate sealing, often complicated by adhesions or scar tissue.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a rigid tube and dual inflatable balloons is used to create an airtight seal in the posterior cul de sac, allowing safe insufflation and visualization of the abdominal cavity, and potentially enabling access to other sites through a posterior colpotomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional trocars are used to access the abdominal cavity, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the access is not exclusive to the posterior cul de sac and sealing is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sealing function into two separate balloons positioned at different locations within the abdominal cavity. The first balloon seals at the incision site while the second balloon seals deeper in the cul de sac, creating multiple sealing zones that collectively provide reliable airtight sealing while adapting to the specific anatomy of the posterior cul de sac approach
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid tube acts as an intermediary structure that connects the external insufflation system to the internal balloon sealing mechanism. It provides structural support, maintains the positioning of both balloons, and serves as the conduit for gas insufflation into the abdominal cavity, bridging the external and internal components of the system
2Reliability
If conventional trocars with single or spaced balloons are used, then the device structure is simpler, but air escape cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct balloons rather than using a single balloon or widely spaced balloons. This segmentation allows the first balloon to seal at the incision site and the second balloon to seal deeper in the cul de sac, creating overlapping sealing zones that effectively prevent air escape through multiple potential leakage paths
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the sealing functions of multiple balloons into a single integrated system where both balloons are connected to the same rigid tube and insufflation system. This allows coordinated inflation and deflation of both balloons, creating a unified sealing mechanism that is more effective than separate balloon systems while maintaining manageable complexity
3Reliability
If posterior colpotomy is performed to access the abdominal cavity, then safer access is achieved, but adequate insufflation and sealing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid tube serves as an intermediary that facilitates the difficult task of insufflation through the posterior colpotomy approach. It provides a stable, structured conduit that maintains positioning and delivers gas efficiently to the abdominal cavity, making the insufflation process easier and more reliable despite the complex surgical approach
Solution Approach 2:
The balloons are inflated to create sealing action before full insufflation begins. This preliminary sealing action establishes an airtight barrier that prevents gas leakage during the subsequent insufflation process, making the overall procedure easier to perform by preventing common complications like gas escape through the incision site
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
Facilitates safer and easier access to the abdominal cavity for laparoscopic surgery by creating a seal in the posterior cul de sac, enhancing visualization and enabling safer entry points for other procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first inflatable balloon and a second inflatable balloon positioned proximate the second end of the rigid tube
Data Source
AI summary
An access port to insufflate the abdomen for laparoscopic surgery is disclosed, enabling easy access to the abdominal cavity to insufflate, visualize, operate and access other sites for entry safely if needed.