Expandable Trocar Closure Structure for Complete Laparoscopic Suturing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices fail to effectively close trocar sites, particularly in large or obese patients, leading to complications such as Post-Operative Ventral Hernia (POVH) or Incisional Hernia due to incomplete or faulty closure.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device with a central stem and inner/outer shafts, featuring ribs that can slide and pivot to form a closed configuration for insertion and an open configuration for suturing, allowing secure passage of suture needles through physiological layers to close laparoscopic incisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing closure devices are used for small laparoscopic openings, then the device can be inserted through the trocar site, but they fail to achieve complete closure especially in large or obese patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure completenessVSAvoidapplicability to large or obese patients

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs nested shafts where an inner shaft is positioned within an outer shaft. The inner shaft carries the rib structure that forms the closure mechanism, while the outer shaft provides structural support and guidance. This nested configuration allows the entire closure device to be compact enough for insertion through small trocar sites while containing a larger rib structure capable of achieving complete closure even in large or obese patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes dynamic transformation between closed and open configurations. The ribs are hinged to the shaft and can pivot between a closed position for insertion and an open position for deployment. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to transition from a compact insertion state to an expanded closure state, enabling complete closure adaptation to various patient sizes while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a larger closure device is used to ensure complete closure in all patients, then closure completeness improves, but the device cannot be inserted through standard trocar sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure completenessVSAvoiddevice insertion size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs nested shafts where an inner shaft is positioned within an outer shaft. The inner shaft carries the rib structure that forms the closure mechanism, while the outer shaft provides structural support and guidance. This nested configuration allows the entire closure device to be compact enough for insertion through small trocar sites while containing a larger rib structure capable of achieving complete closure even in large or obese patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes dynamic transformation between closed and open configurations. The ribs are hinged to the shaft and can pivot between a closed position for insertion and an open position for deployment. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to transition from a compact insertion state to an expanded closure state, enabling complete closure adaptation to various patient sizes while maintaining ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a complex rib structure is used to achieve complete closure, then closure effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidrib structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft structure for insertion and support, hinged ribs for closure formation, and suture needle holders for suturing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the ribs can have the complex hinged structure needed for effective closure while the shaft remains relatively simple for insertion, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining closure effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the hinged ribs, acts as a guide for insertion through trocar sites, and serves as a mounting structure for suture needle holders. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining closure effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12575821B2Device for the stitching of laparoscopic incisions and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 HALEVY ARIEL

AI summary

A device (300) for the suturing and closing of laparoscopic incisions, comprising: a. a central stem b. a plurality of ribs (34b) hingedly connected to said upper rib member by a locking joint (54), said lower rib member comprising a suture needle holder (36) at free end; c. a cap (33), d. a plurality of rigid stretchers (35), interconnected by a hinge to the distal end of said outer shaft (31a) and said upper rib member (34a); the outer shaft configured to slide along the inner shaft and urge said rigid stretchers to extend from a closed configuration of rib, stretcher and shaft in substantially parallel contact, to an open configuration defined by an angle subtended by said inner shaft (32) and said rigid stretchers (35).