Foldable Spreader Attachment for 5 mm Surgical Instruments with Trocar Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spreaders in laparoscopic surgery either block the use of a trocar or provide inadequate support for organs, leading to increased tension and suboptimal surgical performance.

Innovation Solution

A device that integrates with a 5 mm diameter surgical instrument, allowing it to function as a spreader by folding and unfolding, with triangular tabs and a circular section housing, enabling secure trocar passage and reduced organ stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional spreader is introduced through a trocar, then the organ can be held or separated, but the trocar cannot be used for another surgical tool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrocar usabilityVSAvoidorgan support function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader device is nested within the surgical instrument shaft, allowing it to be stored inside the 5mm instrument and deployed when needed. This enables the trocar to serve dual purposes - both for the surgical instrument and for the spreader function when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple functions into a single system - the surgical instrument serves both its original surgical function and the additional spreader function when the body is deployed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated spreader instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If a rigid spreader with lateral wings is used, then the organ can be separated, but the support surface is limited and tension on the organ increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorgan support surfaceVSAvoidorgan tension

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The body transitions from a linear configuration to a planar surface when deployed, creating a two-dimensional support surface that distributes organ contact over a larger area, thereby reducing point stresses and improving organ support quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The body is designed to be flexible and deployable, transitioning from a compact linear state during insertion to an expanded planar state during use. This dynamic transformation allows the support surface area to increase significantly when needed, reducing organ tension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If a telescopic spreader with folding wings is used, then the spreader can be inserted through a trocar, but the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader insertion lengthVSAvoidspreader structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The body is segmented into two sides connected by grooves, allowing it to fold along defined lines. This segmentation enables compact storage within the surgical instrument shaft while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the folding mechanism compared to traditional telescopic designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12458333B2Device for converting a surgical instrument into a spreader

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SERVEI DE SALUT DE LES ILLES BALEARS IBSALUT

AI summary

A device for providing the spreading function to a surgical instrument of 5 mm diameter comprising a linear body of circular section, such that the device comprises a body comprising a first side, and a second side comprising: at least two grooves configured to perform a folding of the body; a housing configured to be traversed by the circular section linear body of the surgical instrument of 5 mm diameter, and two tabs having a section with a circular sector shape and spaced a distance apart such that the circular section linear body of the surgical instrument can be accommodated between the tabs, such that the body is configured to be in a U-shaped folded position and in a flat unfolded position.