Instrument Access Device With Segmented Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instrument access devices often compromise the seal around one instrument when inserting or manipulating another, leading to potential complications during procedures like laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Innovation Solution
The device employs multiple instrument seals, each with a distinct configuration and material, including gelatinous elastomeric seals, to maintain a secure seal around multiple instruments, with a retractor member to manage the wound opening and a connector system for flexible instrument placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single instrument seal is used in conventional access devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the seal around one instrument is compromised when inserting or manipulating another instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into multiple independent seal chambers, each containing its own instrument seal. This segmentation allows each seal to independently maintain the seal around its respective instrument without being affected by insertion or manipulation of other instruments, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between seal integrity and device structure.
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are inserted through a single seal, then device complexity is reduced, but the seal integrity is compromised leading to potential complications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single shared seal, the invention segments the sealing function into multiple independent seals, one for each instrument. This ensures that each instrument has its own dedicated seal, maintaining seal integrity while accommodating multiple instruments simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each seal chamber is designed with specific local characteristics tailored to its instrument, including appropriate seal dimensions and configurations. This local optimization ensures that each seal performs its function effectively without compromising the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If instruments are manipulated freely, then ease of operation is improved, but the seal around other instruments is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of seal chambers provides each instrument with an independent sealing environment, allowing free manipulation of instruments without affecting the seals of other instruments. This resolves the contradiction by isolating the seal integrity of each instrument within its own chamber.
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 that the insertion or manipulation of one instrument does not compromise the seal around another, facilitating safe and effective surgical procedures by maintaining pneumoperitoneum and allowing for the use of multiple instruments without leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The connector member may be of a laterally flexible material. The connector member may be of a rubber-like material.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument access device comprises at least a first instrument seal 71 to effect a seal around a first instrument extended through the device and a second instrument seal 72 to effect a seal around a second instrument extended through the device. The instrument seals 71, 72 are configured to be arranged in a sealing relationship to a body of a patient. The device also comprises a distal anchoring ring 401 for location within a wound interior and a retractor member 402 extending proximally from the distal anchoring ring 401 to retract laterally the sides of a wound opening.