Integrated Trocar and Cannula Device for Single-Use Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical devices require separate tools for piercing and injection/sampling operations, leading to increased costs, bulkiness, and risks of needle pricking incidents during handling and disposal.

Innovation Solution

A combined device with a handle supporting a rigid needle trocar and a flexible cannula needle, enclosed in a protective tube, allowing for single sterilization and compact packaging, with a sealing cap to protect the needles during operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tools (trocar and cannula) are used for piercing and injection operations, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity increases, packaging becomes bulky, and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidnumber of separate tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the trocar (piercing needle) and cannula (injection needle) into a single integrated device. The trocar is housed within the cannula assembly, allowing both piercing and injection functions to be performed with one tool. This merging eliminates the need for separate packaging, sterilization, and handling of two distinct tools while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions: the outer cannula acts as both the injection needle and the protective housing for the trocar. The inner trocar provides the piercing function. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace two separate tools, reducing complexity and improving handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate tools are used, then each tool can be independently sterilized and packaged, but the packaging becomes bulky and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization assuranceVSAvoidpackaging size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trocar and cannula are packaged together in a single sterile container, eliminating the need for separate packaging. The integrated design allows both components to be sterilized and packaged as one unit, significantly reducing the volume required for storage and transport while maintaining sterilization assurance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate tools are used, then each tool can be prepared independently, but the preparation time and manipulation steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent preparationVSAvoidpreparation and manipulation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device requires only a single unpacking and preparation step. The trocar remains housed within the cannula during storage and transport, and both are ready for use simultaneously once the package is opened. This eliminates the sequential preparation steps required for separate tools, reducing time loss during medical procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If the trocar is refitted in open air after use, then the tool can be reused, but the risk of needle pricking incidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool reusabilityVSAvoidneedle pricking risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trocar is nested within the cannula housing, which acts as a protective sheath. After the piercing operation, the trocar remains contained within the cannula, preventing accidental exposures during handling, disposal, or refitting. This nested configuration maintains safety while allowing tool reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3242695B1Device for a medical procedure, comprising a trocar at one end and a cannula at the other end
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 NEEDLE CONCEPT
  • EP3242695B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3242695B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3242695B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

Device for a medical procedure, comprising a handle (2) axially supporting, at one end, a rigid needle (4) which forms a trocar provided to pierce the skin, the device being equipped with a sealing stopper (12) that covers at least the rigid needle, this device having, at the other end, an elongate protective tube (8) mounted on the handle (2), containing a needle forming a cannula (14).