Gel Cap Surgical Access Port for Single-Incision Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access ports are inflexible, restricting instrument size selection and movement, and often require multiple ports for laparoscopic procedures, which can limit the surgeon's options and increase procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access port system featuring a retractor with a flexible inner ring and a gel cap that provides an artificial body wall, allowing for single-incision or limited-port procedures with enhanced instrument flexibility and sealing capabilities, enabling multiple instrument access through a single port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid cannula is used in traditional access devices, then structural stability is maintained, but instrument flexibility and size selection are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane instead of a rigid cannula to create the access port. This membrane can deform elastically to accommodate instruments of various sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity through its material properties and design
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical parameters (flexibility, elasticity) are optimized to allow dynamic adaptation during surgery. The membrane can stretch and deform to accommodate different instrument configurations while returning to its original state, enabling versatile instrument access without compromising structural stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access ports are used for laparoscopic procedures, then instrument access options are increased, but procedural complexity and incision sites are multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane access port is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can accommodate multiple instruments of different sizes and types through a single port, providing the versatility previously requiring multiple ports while simplifying the procedure to a single incision site
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple separate access ports into a single unified flexible membrane structure. This consolidation allows multiple instruments to access the body cavity through one port, reducing the number of incisions and overall procedural complexity while maintaining full instrument access options
3Reliability
If a seal mechanism is used to maintain pneumoperitoneum, then gas leakage is prevented, but instrument insertion and movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as a dynamic seal that can deform elastically when instruments are inserted or moved. This elasticity allows the membrane to accommodate instrument motion while continuously maintaining the seal, preventing gas leakage without restricting instrument manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism is designed as a dynamic flexible membrane rather than a static rigid seal. The membrane can change its configuration in real-time during surgery, adapting to instrument insertion and movement while continuously maintaining pneumoperitoneum, thus providing both reliability and ease of operation
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
The system facilitates more versatile and efficient laparoscopic procedures by allowing for various instrument sizes and movements through a single port, maintaining pneumoperitoneum and providing continuous access and visibility during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a gel pad (11530) comprising a material that provides a gas tight seal
Implementation Method 2
The retractor (5100) is rolled about an annular axis, with the outer ring (6120) rolling about the inner ring (6110)
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of an access device system useful for single or limited port procedures comprises a retractor and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal.