Instrument Access Device Seals for Laparoscopic Pneumoperitoneum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instrument access systems face challenges in maintaining effective seals around multiple instruments during surgical procedures, leading to potential leakage and complications during instrument insertion, manipulation, and removal.
Innovation Solution
The development of an instrument access device with multiple instrument seals, a distal anchoring member, and a retractor member that allows for lateral retraction of wound opening sides, ensuring that the insertion or manipulation of one instrument does not compromise the seal around another, utilizing a combination of gelatinous elastomeric seals and flexible connector members for secure and flexible instrument access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are inserted through a single access device, then surgical versatility is improved, but seal reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage around instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent instrument seals, each capable of sealing around a separate instrument. This segmentation allows multiple instruments to pass through the access device simultaneously while maintaining individual seals around each instrument, preventing leakage and maintaining pneumoperitoneum reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple instrument seals are arranged in a nested configuration within the access device, with each seal capable of independently engaging around its respective instrument. The seals are positioned at different longitudinal locations, allowing instruments to be inserted through different ports while maintaining sealed access to the abdominal cavity.
2Ease of operation
If instruments are manipulated freely during surgery, then ease of operation is improved, but seal integrity worsens due to potential leakage during insertion and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument seals are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to flex and adapt as instruments are inserted, manipulated, and removed. The seals maintain their sealing function throughout the range of motion, accommodating instrument manipulation while preventing leakage and maintaining seal integrity.
3Ease of operation
If a single large wound opening is created, then ease of access is improved, but tissue damage and surgical site complications worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The access device divides a single large wound opening into multiple smaller sealed ports. Each port can accommodate an instrument independently, allowing surgeons to access the abdominal cavity through multiple small incisions rather than one large incision, thereby reducing tissue damage while maintaining ease of instrument access.
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
This solution ensures reliable sealing around multiple instruments, preventing leakage and facilitating smooth instrument insertion, manipulation, and removal, while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during procedures like laparoscopic surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The instrument seal may be of a gelatinous elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument access device comprises first, second and third instrument seals for sealing around instruments extended through the device. The seals have respective connector sleeves. Each sleeve connects a base to one of the instrument seals. The device also comprises two insufflation/desufflation ports. Each of the ports comprises a connector extending from the base, a tube extending from the connector, a luer connector and a removable cap. The luer connector is used for connection to any suitable supply line for insufflation gas or for discharge if insufflation gas. In use, the insufflation/desufflation ports facilitate independent control of insufflation and desufflation as may be required during a surgical procedure. Access sleeve at the proximal end is cut-off, folded over the inner proximal ring and is held in place between the base and the inner proximal ring when the base is fitted. The proximal end of the sleeve that is generated when the sleeve is pulled upwardly to retract an incision is removed from the field of use.