Elastomeric Surgical Access Device with Resilient Bulb Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical access devices are costly to manufacture, inhibit instrument movement due to their rigid and narrow lumens, and lack anchoring facilities, which can lead to accidental removal during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a resilient bulb portion that transitions between different diameters and lengths, facilitated by an elongated insertion device, and featuring a flexible design with a bulb portion made from elastomeric materials and a rigid insert sleeve for secure anchoring and instrument guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid tubular element is used for the access device, then structural strength is improved, but instrument movement is inhibited and the device becomes costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The access device employs a flexible tubular element made from elastomeric material instead of a rigid structure. This flexible shell maintains sufficient structural strength while allowing surgical instruments to move freely through the lumen without requiring the surgeon to tilt or reposition the entire device.
2Strength
If a rigid tubular element is used for the access device, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from expensive rigid materials like polycarbonate plastic to more cost-effective elastomeric materials. This parameter change maintains the necessary structural strength for surgical application while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If the access device is made without anchoring facilities, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental removal
Solution Approach 1:
The access device incorporates self-anchoring features directly into the tubular element structure. The elastomeric material and lumen design provide inherent anchoring capability that secures the device to the abdominal wall without requiring separate anchoring components, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
4Reliability
If the lumen is made long and narrow, then sealability is improved, but instrument manipulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric lumen maintains an effective seal at the abdominal wall interface while its flexibility allows surgical instruments to be manipulated freely within the lumen. The flexible material conforms to the surrounding tissue, providing sealing without the need for a long, rigid narrow passage.
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
The device provides reduced encumbrance during surgical procedures, secure anchoring to the abdominal wall, and improved instrument maneuverability while maintaining an airtight seal, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bulb portion formed between the proximal and distal end portions thereof, wherein the resilient bulb portion is adapted and configured to transition between a first condition in which the bulb portion has a first diameter and a first length and a second condition in which the bulb portion has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter and a second length that is greater than the first length
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical access device (100) is provided having a surgical access port (110). The surgical access port has an elongated body (118) with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis The body- has a central lumen extending therethrough and includes a resilient bulb portion (105) formed between the proximal and distal end portions of the body. The resilient bulb portion is adapted and configured to transition, through engagement with an insertion device (120), between a first condition in which the bulb portion has a first diameter and a first length and a second condition in which the bulb portion has a second diameter and a second length for insertion and removal through a patient's abdominal wall, and to be retained in place therethrough. The second diameter is less than the first diameter, and the second length is greater than the first length.