Implant Delivery Sleeve Venting for Small-Incision Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant delivery systems, such as tapered flexible sleeves, face challenges in minimizing incision size and reducing trauma to the surgical site by effectively venting air and fluids during implant insertion.
Innovation Solution
The implant delivery sleeve features a vent conduit and port system that allows for the controlled venting of air and fluids, combined with a handle and lubrication system to facilitate minimal trauma implant insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a tapered flexible sleeve is used for implant delivery, then the incision size is reduced, but air and fluid displacement causes tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: the tapered flexible sleeve for implant containment and delivery, and the vent conduit system with separate entry and exit ports for air and fluid evacuation. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of incision size reduction while providing dedicated pathways for harmful fluid displacement, thereby resolving the contradiction between small incision and tissue trauma prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent conduit acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the implant delivery process and the surrounding tissue environment. By providing a controlled pathway for air and fluid evacuation separate from the incision site, the vent conduit prevents direct contact between displaced fluids and tissue, thus reducing trauma while maintaining the benefits of a small incision.
2Reliability
If the enclosure is made porous, then fluid can be vented, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure and venting function are segmented into separate components. The enclosure maintains its structural integrity as a non-porous, sealed container, while the vent conduit system provides the fluid venting pathway. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be optimized for strength and implant containment, while the vent conduit handles the fluid evacuation function, thus resolving the contradiction between fluid venting and structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If vent conduits are disposed outside the enclosure, then assembly is simplified, but control over venting process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vent conduit system is designed with multi-functionality to address both manufacturing and operational requirements. The conduits can be configured in multiple ways (attached to outer surface, passing through walls, or integrated) to accommodate different assembly preferences, while the adjustable positioning of entry and exit ports provides operational control over the venting process. This universality allows the same basic structure to satisfy both ease of manufacture 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 enables precise implant delivery through small incisions while minimizing surgical trauma by maintaining a controlled environment and reducing air and fluid displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The implant-delivery sleeve may include at least one vent conduit that may allow air and/or fluid to be vented out
Data Source
AI summary
An implant-delivery sleeve may comprise an enclosure having at least one opening and at least one vent conduit. The vent conduit may extend along a surface of the enclosure to assist in removing fluids (e.g., blood and air) from the tissue pocket to facilitate implantation of the implant.