Inflatable Retractor for Safe Tissue Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgeons face challenges in initially inserting flexible access ports into body cavities due to adjacent organs and vital structures, which can be damaged during insertion, especially before the cavity is inflated.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access device with an elongate member featuring a flexible central portion and an inflatable distal portion that can be expanded to form a working channel through tissue, allowing for insufflation of the body cavity and providing a pathway for surgical instruments, along with a puncturable membrane for easy insertion and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible access port is inserted through tissue into a body cavity before insufflation, then access to the cavity is achieved, but the risk of damaging adjacent organs and vital structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of access portVSAvoiddamage to adjacent organs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable distal portion is inflated after insertion but before surgical procedures begin, creating a cushioning effect that protects adjacent organs and vital structures from damage during the insertion process. The inflation occurs as a preliminary protective action before the main surgical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable distal portion serves as a pre-positioned cushioning element that can be inflated to protect surrounding tissues and organs from the rigid components of the access port and surgical instruments. This beforehand cushioning mitigates harmful effects before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If an inflatable distal portion is added to the access port, then protection and insufflation capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of adjacent structuresVSAvoidstructure of access port

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable distal portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cushion for adjacent organs, provides insufflation capability to create working space, and anchors the access port in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cushioning function and insufflation capability are merged into a single inflatable distal portion component, rather than requiring separate protective shields and insufflation systems. This integration simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the inflatable distal portion is used for both protection and insufflation, then device functionality is improved, but the difficulty of initial insertion through tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of access deviceVSAvoidinitial insertion through tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access port transitions from a deflated flexible state during insertion to an inflated rigid state after placement. This dynamic change allows the device to be easily inserted in a compact form and then expanded to provide structural support and protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the inflatable distal portion changes from deflated to inflated, altering its volume, rigidity, and protective capacity. This parameter change enables the device to overcome the insertion difficulty while maintaining versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device facilitates safe and effective access to body cavities by minimizing tissue damage and ensuring proper insufflation, allowing for easier insertion of surgical instruments while protecting the retractor from punctures.

Implementation Method 1

gas delivered to the inflatable distal portion to move the inflatable distal portion to the inflated position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas inflation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

one or more openings formed therein such that gas delivered to the inflatable distal portion flows through the at least one opening to allow insufflation of a body cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through openings: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8033995B2Inflatable retractor with insufflation and method

Publication Date: 2011.10.11 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Various methods and devices are provided for accessing a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided and includes an elongate member having a proximal support member configured to rest against an external tissue surface, a flexible elongate central portion extending distally from the proximal support member and configured to extend through tissue, and an inflatable distal portion coupled to a distal end of the central portion. The distal portion is movable between an initial configuration, in which the distal portion is configured to be passed through an incision in tissue, and an inflated configuration in which the distal portion is expanded such that the central portion forms a working channel through the tissue for access to a body cavity. The distal portion can include an opening such that gas delivered to the distal portion can flow through the opening to insufflate a body cavity.