Expandable Surgical Devices With Motorized Rail Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimally invasive surgical instruments face limitations in mobility, visual feedback, and maneuverability within body cavities, leading to complications such as puncturing through organ walls, and require external mechanical propulsion and guidance, which can burden the patient and surgeon.

Innovation Solution

Development of expandable devices with features like inflatable or malleable sacs, rail systems, and motorized components, such as electromagnetic motors, to enhance maneuverability and provide a controlled environment for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible instruments with multiple internal conduits are used, then degrees of freedom for positioning improve, but mobility restrictions and maneuverability limitations persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of freedom for positioningVSAvoidmobility restrictions from rigid tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a flexible scope for navigation, an expandable sac for creating working space, and motorized components for automated manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to overcome the limitations of rigid instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable components. The expandable sac can change volume, the motorized components can move autonomously, and the flexible scope can navigate through body cavities. This dynamic capability provides continuous adjustment and adaptability during procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If robotic devices are employed to perform specific tasks, then functionality improves, but the burden on patient and surgeon increases due to mechanical propulsion and guidance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for cutting, retracting, ablatingVSAvoidmechanical propulsion and guidance systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic device is designed to propel and guide itself through body cavities using its own motorized components rather than requiring external mechanical assistance. The device has integrated propulsion mechanisms that enable autonomous navigation, reducing the burden on the surgeon and eliminating the need for complex external guidance systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic device is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple specific tasks (cutting, retracting, ablating, imaging) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and their associated mechanical propulsion and guidance systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If instruments are pushed through body cavities without visual feedback, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to puncturing through organ walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of puncturing organ walls

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates imaging capabilities and sensors that provide real-time visual feedback during procedures. This allows the operator to see what is happening inside body cavities, identify organ walls and other critical structures, and adjust the device's position and actions accordingly. This feedback mechanism dramatically improves reliability by preventing accidental puncturing while maintaining procedure efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 expandable devices enable improved mobility and control within body cavities, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing the effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures by providing a stable working environment for tools and robots.

Implementation Method 1

The sac is configured such that it can be manipulated from a collapsed state to an expanded state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Movement of the railed device(s) on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250331837A1Expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ONG HOOTEE

AI summary

Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices. In one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.