Evacuation Ring Flanges Secure Wound Guard and Access Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges with restricted access and visualization, particularly when removing large tissue specimens, which often require breakdown into smaller pieces, and are hindered by smoke that clouds the operating site, necessitating effective smoke evacuation systems.
Innovation Solution
A smoke evacuator system incorporating an evacuation ring with channels and flanges that securely engage with surgical access devices and wound guards, facilitating mechanical stability and smoke evacuation through connection to a smoke evacuation system, while allowing for adjustable sizing of wound guards to accommodate varying tissue sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive surgical procedures are used, then patient trauma is reduced and recovery is faster, but access to the surgical site is restricted and visualization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs nested components where the wound guard is inserted within the access device, and the evacuation ring is positioned within the wound guard. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be delivered through a single minimally-invasive incision while maintaining their individual functions for tissue protection and smoke evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical access system is divided into separate functional segments: the access device for creating the incision, the wound guard for protecting surrounding tissue, and the evacuation ring for smoke removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being delivered through a minimally-invasive approach
2Productivity
If large tissue specimens are removed intact, then surgical time is reduced, but the restricted access prevents removal of specimens larger than the incision opening
Solution Approach 1:
The wound guard is designed with a resilient material that allows it to be compressed for insertion through the access device, then expand within the surgical cavity to provide a stable platform. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt to different specimen sizes while maintaining access through a restricted incision
3Illumination intensity
If smoke evacuation systems are added to clear the operating site, then visualization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation ring integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for smoke evacuation, includes channels for smoke removal, features engagement mechanisms for securing the wound guard, and incorporates a connection port for the evacuation system. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke evacuator for use with a surgical access device includes an evacuation ring having an inner peripheral surface defining one or more channels therein disposed in fluid communication with an operating cavity. A connection port is disposed thereon in fluid communication with the channel(s) and adapted to connect to a smoke evacuation system. The evacuation ring includes a profile having an inner flange that forms part of the inner peripheral surface of the evacuation ring and one or more lower flanges, the inner flange is configured to mechanically engage a rim of an access device and the lower flange(s) is adapted to mechanically engage a wound guard, wherein engagement of the inner flange of the evacuation ring atop the access device and engagement of the lower flange(s) with the wound guard secures the access device, the wound guard and the smoke evacuation ring within the operating cavity.