Flexible Portal Cannula with Segmented Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopic surgery faces challenges in accessing difficult-to-reach joint areas due to limitations in flexible portal devices that are either not very flexible, difficult to use, or incompatible with standard portal placement techniques and instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible portal cannula system paired with a specialized driver that engages the cannula from the inside near the distal tip, allowing easy insertion and providing high flexibility, mobility, and ease of use while maintaining compatibility with standard cannula placement techniques, including the use of switching sticks and guide wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible portal cannula is used to access difficult-to-reach joint areas, then instrument mobility and access capability are improved, but the device becomes difficult to insert and use
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portal cannula is divided into multiple segmented sections that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the distal tip to navigate complex joint geometries while the proximal section remains stable for instrument insertion. The segmentation enables the cannula to bend and flex without compromising structural integrity or ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized delivery system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the flexible cannula, providing a rigid guide structure that directs the flexible cannula through the incision and into the joint. The delivery system includes a stylet or guide wire that maintains cannula alignment during insertion, after which the flexible cannula is deployed and the delivery system is removed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rubbery flexible cannula is used to provide instrument mobility, then flexibility is improved, but delivery becomes nonstandard and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portal cannula is designed with a universal connection interface that is compatible with standard arthroscopic instruments, switching sticks, and guide wires. The cannula can accommodate various instrument types and sizes, allowing surgeons to use existing instrumentation while benefiting from enhanced flexibility. The universal design eliminates the need for specialized delivery procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard portal placement techniques are used, then compatibility with existing instrumentation is maintained, but access to difficult-to-reach areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portal cannula transitions from a rigid standard design to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during insertion and positioning. The cannula maintains a straight configuration during insertion for compatibility with standard techniques, then flexes to curved configurations once positioned to access difficult-to-reach joint areas. This dynamic behavior allows the cannula to embody both standard and advanced features.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible cannula device and delivery system for use in arthroscopic surgery. The delivery system engages the flexible cannula from the inside near the distal tip and pushes it into the surgical portal, essentially pulling the proximal portion of the cannula from the distal tip while being pushed from the proximal end with the specialized driver. The delivery system provides for single point engagement at the distal tip as well as a multiplicity of engagement points along the length of the system.