Laparoscopic Needle Anchor for Gallbladder Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) techniques for cholecystectomy face challenges in aspirating and retracting an inflamed gallbladder without spillage of contents, as existing methods are cumbersome and prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument featuring a needle body with a deployable anchor, such as a spring-biased cage structure or inflatable anchor, that can engage and retract the gallbladder, preventing spillage by aspirating contents and securely grasping the organ for manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single port is used for SILS procedures, then the number of incisions is reduced minimizing scarring, but the ability to retract and manipulate the gallbladder is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument nests multiple functional components within a single port: the needle body, deployable anchor, and aspiration mechanism are all contained within one instrument that passes through a single incision, enabling multiple functions through a single access point
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is designed to be deployable from a constrained state within the needle to an expanded state outside the needle, transforming from a compact configuration during insertion to a functional retraction configuration once positioned, enabling dynamic adaptation to surgical needs
2Quantity of substance
If aspiration is performed with a needle alone without sealing the opening, then gallbladder contents can be removed, but spillage of remaining materials occurs which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The sealable aperture is prepared in advance within the needle body, allowing the surgeon to seal the opening before removing the instrument, preventing spillage of remaining gallbladder contents during withdrawal
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument allows for complete aspiration of gallbladder contents through the needle, then the aperture can be sealed to retain any remaining materials, effectively discarding the harmful contents while preventing unwanted spillage
3Ease of operation
If an inflamed and distended gallbladder is attempted to be manipulated with conventional SILS techniques, then the procedure becomes extremely difficult and cumbersome, but the gallbladder remains tense and full making it inelastic and hard to grasp
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirator function is performed first to empty the gallbladder contents before retraction is attempted, transforming the gallbladder from a distended, tense state to a collapsed, malleable state that is easier to manipulate
Solution Approach 2:
The gallbladder transitions from a distended, tense state to a collapsed, malleable state through aspiration, changing its physical properties to enable easier grasping and manipulation by the deployable anchor
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 instrument effectively aspirates and retracts the gallbladder without spillage, facilitating easier handling and removal through a single port, minimizing scarring, and ensuring secure engagement of the gallbladder walls for precise surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cage structure can be spring-biased such that the cage structure is deployed by tension provided in a spring when the cage structure extends beyond the needle body by a predetermined distance
Implementation Method 2
an aperture provided in connection with the needle body, adapted and configured for permitting aspiration of contents of the hollow organ
Data Source
AI summary
Various surgical instruments for laparoscopic procedures are provided for aspirating and retracting a hollow organ such as a gallbladder. The surgical instruments include a needle body and an anchor coupled to the needle body. The anchor is adapted and configured for engaging and retracting the hollow organ, and can be held and deployed from within the needle body or from an outside surface of the needle body. The needle body defines an aperture for permitting aspiration of contents of the hollow organ.