Extendable Cannula for Tension Pneumothorax Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Needle Thoracostomy methods for treating tension pneumothorax are prone to failure due to improper needle placement and inappropriate catheter length, particularly in individuals with varying chest wall thickness, leading to high risks of avoidable trauma deaths.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising an obturator assembly with a cutting portion and a lengthwise extendable cannula, which includes a locking mechanism and anchoring portion, is used to create a stable path for fluid extraction, allowing for adjustable cannula length and secure deployment in the pleural space, along with a base plate for stabilization and fluid extraction device coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length catheter is used in conventional Needle Thoracostomy, then the device is simple to deploy, but it fails to adapt to varying chest wall thickness across different populations, leading to improper needle placement and treatment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula incorporates an extendable body that can dynamically adjust its length during deployment. The cannula transitions from a compact retracted state to an extended state based on the required insertion depth, allowing adaptation to varying chest wall thickness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The extension mechanism includes locking portions that secure the cannula in the extended position during use.
2Length of moving object
If a longer catheter is used to accommodate thicker chest walls, then penetration depth is improved, but the device becomes less effective for patients with thinner chest walls and requires variable length approaches that are logistically complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula features a dynamic length adjustment capability where the extendable body can be deployed to different lengths as needed. During insertion, the cannula extends to reach the required depth for thick-chested patients, then retracts to a shorter length for thin-chested patients, eliminating the need for multiple catheter lengths or complex selection protocols.
3Reliability
If conventional Needle Thoracostomy is performed without proper anchoring, then the procedure is quick to perform, but the cannula may become dislodged or improperly positioned, increasing failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula incorporates self-retaining features including locking portions that automatically engage with corresponding structures in the valve assembly or tissue. The locking mechanism operates automatically during insertion or through simple manual activation, providing secure retention without requiring complex external anchoring devices or multiple procedural steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system for use in establishing and maintaining an opening to an anatomical space of a body, the system comprising an obturator assembly having a cutting portion at a distal end and a cannula, the cannula being detachably coupled to the cutting portion and deployable into the anatomical space of a patient, the cannula comprises a locking portion, and a lengthwise extendable body; a valve assembly comprising a passage for receiving the cannula, a first end for coupling to a fluid extraction device and a second end for placement external and adjacent the anatomical space; a base comprising a plate for placement on a patient external and adjacent the anatomical space, the plate has an aperture configured for receiving the obturator assembly and coupling means located about the aperture for coupling with the valve assembly; and wherein, in use, the locking portion of the cannula is configured to be retained in the valve assembly with the extendable body extended into the anatomical space to facilitate a path for fluid extraction, and wherein the cannula comprises means for retaining the cannula in its extended state.