Instrument Access Device Segmented Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current instrument access systems for body cavities face challenges in providing stable and flexible access for instruments during surgical procedures, particularly in maintaining pneumoperitoneum and accommodating varying instrument sizes, while minimizing trauma and leakage.
Innovation Solution
The instrument access device features a proximal member with connectors and instrument receivers, including flexible cannulae and seals, a retractor member for wound opening management, and adjustable ports for instrument insertion, facilitating pivotal movement and sealing to accommodate different instrument diameters and surgical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connector is used to maintain structural stability, then the stability of the access device is improved, but the ability to accommodate varying instrument sizes and movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal member, one or more connectors, and a distal member. The connectors can be rigid or flexible, allowing the system to combine structural stability with adaptability. Each segment can be independently positioned and adjusted to accommodate different instrument sizes and surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible connectors or adjustable rigid connectors that can change their configuration during use. The connectors may include joints or articulations that allow movement and adaptation to accommodate varying instrument diameters and surgical motions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are incorporated to prevent leakage and maintain pneumoperitoneum, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into integrated seal assemblies that combine multiple seals (such as lip seals and duckbill valves) into unified structures. These combined seal assemblies maintain pneumoperitoneum effectively while reducing the number of separate components compared to using individual seals independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - preventing leakage of insufflated gas, allowing instrument passage, and accommodating instrument movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible spacer is used to minimize trauma to the wound opening, then the biocompatibility is improved, but the structural support capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The access device uses flexible spacer material at the interfaces with the wound opening where biocompatibility and trauma minimization are critical, while using more rigid materials for the connectors and structural framework where strength and stability are required. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both trauma reduction and structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument access device 1 comprises a proximal member 25 for location externally of an opening into a body cavity. A first connector 20 extends between the proximal member 25 and a first instrument receiver 2. A second connector 21 extends between the proximal member and a second instrument receiver 3. Instrument seals can be housed in relatively rigid housings for added strength.