Integrated Fluid Connector and Control Valve for Laparoscopic Cannulas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laparoscopic cannulas with larger diameters often require removable seal systems for insufflation fluid management, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in smaller diameters where such systems are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fluid connector and control valve system within the access apparatus allows for three operative states: desufflation, insufflation, and closed, enabling rapid fluid management without a detachable seal system, utilizing a monolithically formed fluid connector and control valve that rotates between positions to control insufflation fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable seal system is used in larger diameter cannulas for insufflation fluid management, then fluid control is achieved, but device complexity and operational cumbersome are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid connector and control valve into a single integrated unit mounted directly on the access housing. The control valve is positioned within the fluid connector, eliminating the need for separate removable seal systems. This integration maintains reliable insufflation fluid control while reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a removable seal system is used for insufflation fluid management, then fluid control is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control valve and fluid connector allow for rapid fluid management through a single unified interface. The control valve can be quickly adjusted between positions to control insufflation fluid flow without the need to manipulate separate components or attach/detach seal systems, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed to be selectively positionable between multiple positions (first position for desufflation, second position for insufflation, third position for closed state). This dynamic positioning capability allows rapid transition between different fluid management modes, enhancing operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If an integrated fluid connector and control valve are used in smaller diameter cannulas, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector and control valve are integrated into a single compact unit that can be mounted on smaller diameter cannulas. This integration eliminates the need for separate components, actually reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fluid connector and control valve assembly serves multiple functions: it provides fluid passage, controls insufflation fluid flow, and enables rapid desufflation. This multi-functionality in a single unit reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate components are used for insufflation control, then adaptability is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed with multiple selectable positions that provide adaptability for different operational modes (desufflation, insufflation, closed). The valve can be quickly rotated between positions, enabling rapid desufflation when needed while maintaining the flexibility to control fluid flow as required, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing adaptability.
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 allows for efficient and rapid control of insufflation fluids, facilitating quick desufflation without the need for a removable seal system, maintaining pneumoperitoneum and ensuring reliable fluid management in smaller diameter cannulas.
Implementation Method 1
The control valve is selectively positionable between a first position corresponding to a desufflation operative state, a second position corresponding to an insufflation operative state, and a third position corresponding to a closed operative state
Data Source
AI summary
An access apparatus includes an access housing, an access member extending from the access housing, a fluid connector mounted to the access housing and a control valve mounted to the fluid connector. The control valve is positionable relative to the fluid connector between a first position corresponding to a desufflation operative state permitting rapid desufflation of the underlying body cavity, a second position corresponding to an insufflation operative state permitting insufflation fluid flow into the access member and into the underlying body cavity, and a third position corresponding to a closed operative state.