Endoscopic Access Port Segmented Working Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic systems have a single working channel with a small diameter, limiting the use of multiple instruments simultaneously and restricting instrument movement to only in/out, which complicates minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures.
Innovation Solution
An improved working channel with a larger diameter and additional side channels for suction, irrigation, and imaging, allowing multiple instruments to be inserted simultaneously and providing greater flexibility in instrument movement without compromising visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single working channel with small diameter is used, then the system structure is simple, but multiple instruments cannot be inserted simultaneously and instrument movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is divided into multiple independent channels (first working channel, second working channel, third working channel) within a single access port. Each channel can accommodate different surgical instruments simultaneously, allowing multiple tools to be inserted through one port while maintaining independent access and movement for each instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (one channel) to multi-dimensional (multiple channels in different spatial orientations) architecture. The channels are arranged in different planes and orientations within the access port, enabling instruments to approach the surgical site from multiple angles simultaneously without interfering with each other.
2Productivity
If a single working channel is used, then the device structure is simple, but procedural time increases due to sequential instrument insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the single working channel into multiple parallel channels, the system enables simultaneous insertion of multiple instruments. This eliminates the sequential insertion/retraction cycle, allowing surgeons to perform multiple tasks concurrently and significantly reducing the time lost to instrument changes during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple channels allow continuous surgical action by enabling instruments to remain in place simultaneously. Surgeons can perform irrigation, suction, tissue manipulation, and other tasks at the same time without removing and reinserting instruments, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If a single working channel is used, then the system is simple, but visualization and instrument movement are restricted to in/out motion only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging channels in different orientations (anterior-posterior, medio-lateral planes). This allows instruments to move not only in/out but also in multiple directional planes, providing surgeons with enhanced freedom of motion and improved access to the surgical site from various angles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel configuration is designed to be dynamically adaptable, with channels that can accommodate instruments of varying sizes and types. The structure allows for flexible instrument insertion and manipulation while maintaining stable visualization, enabling dynamic surgical responses without compromising system stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the working channel diameter is increased to accommodate multiple instruments, then more instruments can be inserted, but the channel becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating one large channel, the patent divides the space into multiple smaller, segmented channels. This segmentation allows each channel to maintain a manageable diameter suitable for specific instruments while collectively accommodating multiple instruments simultaneously. The segmented approach optimizes space utilization and maintains appropriate channel sizes for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple channels are nested within a common access port structure, with each channel positioned in a specific spatial relationship to the others. This nested arrangement allows efficient use of the overall access port volume, enabling multiple channels to coexist in a compact configuration that minimizes the external footprint while maximizing internal functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access port, comprising: an elongated working channel with a lower distal end opening positionable near an internal surgical site and an upper proximal opening that receives surgical instruments in use, the working channel defining an internal hollow cavity with a diameter configured to receive more than one surgical instrument at a time and that allows surgical instruments to be inserted at varying angles; and a plurality of side channels extending along an outer perimeter of the working channel, each side channel defined by an inner-facing wall and an outer wall.