Laparoscopic Port Assembly Single Incision Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic procedures using mini-laparoscopy face limitations due to smaller instrument diameter, leading to performance issues, increased costs, fragility, and undesirable cosmetic outcomes, as well as the 'chopstick effect' when multiple instruments are used through the umbilicus, restricting surgeon maneuverability and increasing trauma and recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical port assembly that allows multiple laparoscopic instruments to be inserted through a single umbilical incision, featuring a design with flexible and pivotable tubular members, seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum, and a dome-shaped second plate for improved instrument placement and reduced interference, enabling enhanced surgical access and cosmesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mini-laparoscopy instruments with smaller diameter (2-3 mm) are used, then abdominal wall trauma is reduced and cosmesis is improved, but instrument durability decreases, performance limitations increase, and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port assembly is divided into multiple tubular members (first tubular member for insufflation, second tubular member for instruments) that can be separately positioned and function. This segmentation allows each tube to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability with larger diameter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using multiple separate incisions to a single incision location (umbilicus), changing the spatial dimension of access. Multiple instruments are introduced through one incision using a port assembly with multiple tubular members arranged in different orientations, eliminating the need for multiple incisions while maintaining instrument durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard cannulas and laparoscopic instruments are placed in the umbilicus next to each other, then access to internal organs is achieved, but the 'chopstick effect' occurs which reduces surgeon maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The second plate is made rotatable relative to the first plate, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tubular members' orientation. This rotation capability enables the surgeon to optimize the arrangement of instruments during the procedure, preventing the chopstick effect by allowing flexible repositioning of instruments without fixed rigid positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular members are arranged asymmetrically with the first tubular member extending in one direction and the second tubular member extending in a different direction from the plates. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the spatial distribution of instruments, reducing interference between them and improving surgeon maneuverability compared to symmetric side-by-side placement.
3Area of stationary object
If a single umbilical incision is used for multiple instruments, then cosmesis is improved and abdominal wall trauma is reduced, but instrument interference and workspace limitation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single incision (reducing the number of stationary openings) but creates three-dimensional workspace by extending tubular members in different directions from the port assembly. The first tubular member extends upward/outward while the second extends downward/inward, providing spatial separation and adequate workspace for multiple instruments through a single umbilical access point.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tubular members are nested within a single port assembly body that is inserted through one incision. The port assembly acts as a parent structure containing multiple child tubular members, allowing multiple instruments to pass through a single incision site while maintaining individual instrument pathways and adequate workspace.
4Length of moving object
If straight tubular cannulas are used for mini-laparoscopy, then smaller incisions are possible, but instrument fragility and performance limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port assembly segments the instrument pathway into multiple specialized tubular members rather than using a single small cannula. Each tubular member can be optimized for its specific function (insufflation vs. instrument passage) with appropriate wall thickness and material properties, reducing fragility while maintaining small incision size.
Solution Approach 2:
The port assembly serves multiple functions: maintaining pneumoperitoneum through seals, providing structural support for multiple instruments, and enabling both insufflation and instrument passage through a single incision. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified port assembly design rather than multiple separate fragile components.
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
Facilitates minimally invasive procedures with reduced trauma, improved cosmesis, and accelerated patient recovery by allowing multiple instruments to be used through a single incision without the 'chopstick effect, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
The seal members are made of flexible material and can be compressed radially inwardly by an instrument shaft to engage with the instrument shaft and prevent leakage of insufflation gas
Implementation Method 2
The first and second tubular members are flexible at least at a point of attachment to the second and first plates, respectively, enabling a pivoting and/or a swiveling of a surgical instrument inserted through the first tubular member or the second tubular member
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted.