Expandable Surgical Access Port Merging Multiple Lumens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional surgical access devices limit the number and type of instruments that can be used in minimally invasive procedures, requiring multiple incisions and prolonging recovery time due to their configuration for single instrument access.

Innovation Solution

An expandable surgical access port with a port body that transitions between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring inner and outer walls with a chamber, a plug with flexible coupling, and inflation fluid communication, allowing multiple instruments to be used through a single incision while maintaining a fluid-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional surgical access devices are used, then each device provides access for a single instrument, but multiple incisions are required increasing procedure time and recovery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of instruments accessibleVSAvoidprocedure time and recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple surgical access ports are integrated into a single expandable hub device that can be inserted through one incision. The hub combines multiple lumens (e.g., three lumens) into one unified structure, allowing simultaneous access for multiple instruments through a single tissue penetration point, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate incisions and reducing procedure and recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable access port is designed as a multi-functional device that can accommodate various surgical instruments through its multiple lumens. Each lumen can receive different types of instruments (e.g., laparoscope, insufflation tube, surgical tools), making the single device universal for multiple surgical functions and eliminating the need for multiple specialized access devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple surgical access devices are inserted through tissue, then more instruments can be used, but the number of incisions and scarring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of instruments accessibleVSAvoidtissue trauma and scarring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional single-port access devices are used, then insertion is simple, but multiple instruments cannot be accessed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidnumber of instruments accessible

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable access port is constructed with modular components including a hub with multiple lumens, an expandable body with inner and outer walls, and sealing mechanisms. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a collapsed state through simple single-incision penetration, then expanded in situ to provide multiple separate access channels, combining insertion simplicity with multi-instrument capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access port transitions from a collapsed insertion configuration to an expanded operational configuration. The expandable body can be inflated or mechanically expanded after insertion to increase the number and size of access channels, allowing the device to adapt its complexity after the simple insertion step is completed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the use of multiple surgical instruments through a single incision, reducing the need for additional incisions and minimizing post-operative recovery time by providing a flexible and fluid-tight access solution.

Implementation Method 1

A tube is attached to an inflation port on the first portion of the plug and attachable to a source of inflation fluid. The tube is in fluid communication with the chamber via the inflation port.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The expanded configuration of the port body forms a fluid-tight seal between the first lumen and the elongate object.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid-tight seal:

Data Source

PatentUS11529170B2Expandable surgical access port

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An expandable access port includes a port body transitionable between expanded and collapsed configurations. The expandable access port also includes a plug with a first portion secured to the port body and a second portion flexibly coupled to the first portion by an arm. The first portion has an orifice and the second portion has a post insertable into the orifice. A tube is attached to an inflation port on the first portion of the plug. The tube is attachable to a source of inflation fluid and in fluid communication with a chamber of the port body. A lumen extends through the port body and is configured to slidably receive the post or a surgical instrument therethrough. The lumen forms a fluid-tight boundary when the port body is in the expanded configuration.