Iris Valve Locking Mechanism for Laparoscopic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access devices for endoscopic surgery, such as trocars and hand access devices, lack an efficient and adjustable iris valve mechanism to maintain pneumoperitoneum while allowing for surgeon manipulation, leading to potential fluid leakage and inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
An access device with an adjustable iris valve featuring a resilient diaphragm and rotating frame members with a lock mechanism, allowing for precise control between open and closed positions using a control ring, and a ratchet and pawl mechanism to prevent fluid leakage during hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional trocar or hand access device is used, then access to internal tissue is provided, but sealing effectiveness is insufficient leading to fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The iris valve employs a dynamic structure with multiple adjustable positions (fully open, partially open, fully closed) that can be controlled during surgery. The valve members can rotate independently to create different opening configurations, allowing the seal to adapt to various instrument sizes and maintain reliability while preventing fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris valve utilizes flexible valve members with radially extending free edges that can bend and conform to the sealing surface. These thin film structures allow the valve to maintain contact with the sealing surface while accommodating instrument passage, ensuring reliable sealing and preventing harmful fluid leakage.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the iris valve is kept closed to maintain seal, then fluid leakage is prevented, but surgeon manipulation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The iris valve provides dynamic control with multiple adjustable positions between fully closed and fully open states. The valve members can be rotated to intermediate positions that maintain adequate sealing while allowing surgeon hand or instrument passage, thus preventing fluid leakage without restricting surgical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris valve structure allows simultaneous achievement of sealing and access functions. By adjusting the valve members to different positions, the same valve can prevent fluid leakage when closed or allow surgeon manipulation when partially open, providing multi-functional capability that resolves the contradiction between sealing and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the iris valve structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The iris valve is divided into multiple independent valve members (typically 3-6) that can rotate independently around the central axis. Each valve member has radially extending free edges that contribute to the overall seal. This segmentation allows precise control of the opening size by adjusting individual members, achieving manufacturing precision without excessive overall structural complexity.
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
The device effectively maintains pneumoperitoneum by sealing against the surgeon's arm or instruments, reducing fluid leakage and enhancing surgical control through adjustable and reliable iris valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient diaphragm and rotating frame members with a lock mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet and pawl mechanism to prevent fluid leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and second frames. A lock is connected to the first and second frames, the lock being selectively operative to prevent relative rotational movement in a first rotational direction. One embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a control ring. Another embodiment uses a ratchet and pawl mechanism operable with a button. Yet another embodiment uses a wedge track and ball mechanism.