Half Pipe Cannula With Rigid-Flexible Structure for Non-Standard Instruments

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cannulas used in minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges such as tipping over during instrument insertion, difficulty in passing non-standard objects, and the need for additional instrumentation to insert through soft tissue portals, which increases procedure time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A half pipe cannula design featuring a flexible portion with a partially wrapped rigid section, allowing for stable insertion and passage of instruments with varying diameters without additional tools, combining the stability of rigid cannulas with the flexibility of flexible cannulas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid cannula is used, then stability during insertion is improved, but the ability to pass non-standard objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during insertionVSAvoidability to pass non-standard objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion provides structural stability during insertion, while the flexible portion allows the cannula to deform and accommodate non-standard objects passing through it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cannula have different mechanical properties. The rigid portion maintains stability where needed, while the flexible portion provides adaptability where needed, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fully flexible cannula is used, then the ability to pass non-standard objects is improved, but stability during insertion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pass non-standard objectsVSAvoidstability during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The rigid portion provides structural stability during insertion, while the flexible portion allows the cannula to deform and accommodate non-standard objects passing through it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cannula have different mechanical properties. The rigid portion maintains stability where needed, while the flexible portion provides adaptability where needed, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If additional instrumentation is used to insert the cannula, then insertion capability is improved, but device complexity and procedure time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion capabilityVSAvoidinstrumentation needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cannula is designed to be self-insertable through soft tissue portals without requiring additional instrumentation. The combination of rigid and flexible portions allows the cannula to navigate tissue independently, eliminating the need for separate insertion tools and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient insertion and passage of both standard and non-standard instruments through soft tissue portals, reducing procedure time and instrumentation needs by maintaining stability and flexibility, thus improving surgical efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible portion can allow the elongated body and the dam to expand radially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rigid portion (e.g., to provide support)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Data Source

PatentUS12357344B2Half pipe cannula and methods of manufacturing and using half pipe cannula

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 HYBRID CANNULA

AI summary

A half pipe cannula has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion, which includes a proximal end and an elongated tab along the length of the first portion, can be formed from a first material with a selected rigidity. The second portion, which includes a proximal end, a cannulated passage, and a distal end, can be formed from a second material with a selected flexibility. The second portion of the half pipe cannula partially or fully overlaps the elongated tab of the first portion of the half pipe cannula. The second portion of the half pipe cannula has surface features such as a thread or bumper feature. Each portion of the half pipe cannula may have one or more flanges on either end or both ends. The second portion of the half pipe cannula can be made of a flexible material such as thermoplastic elastomer.