Inflatable-Membrane Surgical Cannula for Sealing and Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical cannulas lack a positive pressure gradient for effective sealing and anchoring, and rigid protrusions can cause patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A surgical cannula with an inflatable outer membrane and a cap that can be moved to pressurize the membrane, combined with a flow chamber and flow piston to control fluid flow, allowing independent control of sealing and anchoring pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an inflatable membrane is used for sealing and anchoring, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but pressure control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidpressure control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system is segmented into two independent pathways: a first port for initial inflation and a second port for additional pressurization. This allows the membrane to be filled in stages, with each port serving a specific function in the pressure control process, thereby managing complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the membrane serve different functions: the distal portion provides sealing against the incision site while the proximal portion provides anchoring. The cap selectively pressurizes specific portions of the membrane to optimize local functions, applying local quality control to enhance overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If rigid protrusions are used for anchoring, then anchoring strength is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring mechanism uses a flexible membrane instead of rigid protrusions. The membrane can deform and conform to the incision site geometry, providing effective anchoring through flexibility and adaptation rather than rigid mechanical engagement, thereby eliminating patient discomfort associated with rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable flexible membrane whose physical state can be changed through pressurization. By controlling the pressure parameter, the membrane's degree of expansion and anchoring force can be adjusted to achieve effective anchoring without excessive force that would cause discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If the cap is moved to pressurize the membrane, then sealing pressure is improved, but device operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing pressureVSAvoiddevice operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of moving the cap is replaced with an automated or controlled pressurization system. Fluid or gas can be introduced through the ports to automatically pressurize the membrane to the desired level, substituting complex manual mechanical adjustment with a simpler fluid-based control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the outer membrane is pressurized above insufflation pressure, then anchoring reliability is improved, but risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pressure monitoring and control mechanisms that provide feedback on the pressure applied to the membrane and surrounding tissues. This allows real-time adjustment of pressurization levels to maintain effective anchoring while preventing excessive pressure that could cause tissue damage, ensuring safe operation throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 cannula provides enhanced sealing and anchoring, reducing the risk of involuntary removal and patient discomfort while allowing easy instrument exchange.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure within the inflated membrane with the insufflated gas would be the same as the pressure within the body cavity with the insufflated gas, i.e., both would have the same pressure of the insufflated gas. This is less than ideal because there is no positive pressure gradient from the inflated internal membrane to the body cavity for a positive seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the cap is moved in a distal direction to fluidically isolate or seal said at least one port from the outer membrane to further pressurize the outer membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250318852A1Simplified surgical cannula

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 MIKOL EDWARD J

AI summary

Disclosed herein are multiple cannulas defining a lumen sized and dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments, an inflatable outer membrane attached to an outer surface of the cannula, and at least one activator that reversibly pressurizes a fluid contained in the outer membrane to fill or pressurize the outer membrane.