Laparoscopic Tissue Containment Structure for Stable Intra-Abdominal Workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable workspace within the body cavity due to intra-abdominal forces, requiring a structure that can collapse for insertion and expand to maintain a stable working environment while resisting these forces.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic tissue containment device with an expandable wall comprising multiple segments and radial rigidizers that can collapse for insertion through small passageways and expand within the body cavity, providing a stable workspace by resisting intra-abdominal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the workspace device is made expandable to maintain a stable workspace within the body cavity, then the workspace stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for expandable segments and radial rigidizers
Solution Approach 1:
The workspace device wall is divided into multiple expandable segments that can be inflated independently or collectively to maintain workspace stability. Each segment contains radial rigidizers that provide structural support while allowing controlled expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a collapsed state for insertion to an expanded state for workspace maintenance. The expandable segments and radial rigidizers enable dynamic adjustment of the workspace volume and shape to resist intra-abdominal forces while providing a stable working environment
2Strength
If radial rigidizers are added to resist radial forces and prevent collapse, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radial rigidizers are strategically positioned within specific segments of the workspace device wall where they are most needed to resist radial forces. Each segment contains rigidizers that provide localized structural support, allowing the device to maintain strength while minimizing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The workspace device wall combines flexible expandable segment materials with rigid radial rigidizer structures to create a composite construction that resists radial forces while maintaining expandability. This composite approach provides structural strength without requiring the entire device to be rigid
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed to collapse for insertion through a laparoscopic passageway, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the workspace volume is reduced during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The workspace device dynamically changes its volume state - collapsed to minimal volume for easy insertion through the laparoscopic passageway, then expanded to full workspace volume once positioned within the body cavity. This dynamic volume adjustment enables both easy insertion and adequate workspace
4Force
If expandable segments are used to rigidize the workspace body, then the resistance to intra-abdominal forces is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workspace device wall is segmented into multiple inflatable sections, each containing radial rigidizers. This segmentation allows the structure to rigidize when inflated, providing resistance to intra-abdominal forces while enabling modular manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable segments are inflated using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to rigidize the workspace body structure. This inflation mechanism provides the necessary force resistance to intra-abdominal pressures while allowing the device to remain flexible during insertion and be manufactured in a collapsed state
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 maintains a stable workspace within the body cavity by resisting collapse and providing a smooth internal environment for surgical procedures, facilitating efficient tissue processing and tool access.
Implementation Method 1
said plurality of expandable segments rigidize said workspace body to resist collapse by intra-abdominal forces and said plurality of radially extending rigidizers positioned within said wall resist radial forces
Implementation Method 2
A workspace device having a body which is collapsible to a collapsed state to fit through a laparoscopic passageway in a body cavity wall, and expandable to an expanded state within a body cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A workspace device having a body which is collapsible to a collapsed state to fit through a laparoscopic passageway in a body cavity wall, and expandable to an expanded state within a body cavity into which the passageway extends, including:a workspace body having a workspace wall including a plurality of expandable segments defining an internal lumen, and a plurality of radial rigidizers positioned within the wall;wherein in the expanded state:the workspace device extends defining a workspace axis, and has an opening to the internal volume; andthe plurality of expandable segments rigidize the workspace body to resist collapse by intra-abdominal forces, and the plurality of radially extending rigidizers positioned within the wall resist radial forces.