Collapsible Laparoscopic Scaffold for Organ Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery is hindered by limited access and space within the abdominal cavity due to obstructing organs, requiring additional personnel to manage organs and tools, which complicates procedures and reduces the surgeon's working space.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible surgical scaffolding system that can be deployed through a trocar to provide a stable surface for organ retraction and tool placement, allowing for expansion of the surgical cavity and securing organs or tools, thereby enhancing access and reducing the need for additional personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collapsible scaffolding is deployed through a trocar to provide a stable surface for organ retraction and tool placement, then access and working space within the abdominal cavity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffolding is divided into multiple collapsible struts or legs that can be folded into a compact configuration for insertion through the trocar, then deployed to form a stable three-dimensional platform. Each strut can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the complex structure to be managed in segments during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible struts are designed to nest within each other or within the delivery catheter during insertion, minimizing the profile for trocar passage. Once deployed, the struts expand to form the full scaffolding structure, effectively hiding the complexity within a simple insertion profile.
2Ease of operation
If additional personnel are used to manipulate organs and tools during laparoscopic procedures, then the surgeon's working space is improved, but the procedure complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffolding provides a self-contained platform that automatically positions and secures organs and surgical tools without requiring additional personnel. The stable surface and integrated attachment mechanisms allow the scaffolding to serve itself by maintaining organ retraction and tool placement throughout the procedure, freeing the surgeon to focus on the primary surgical task.
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffolding serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, secures organ retraction, holds surgical tools, and maintains working space. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices or personnel for each function, simplifying the overall procedure while improving the surgeon's accessibility to the surgical site.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible scaffolding can collapse for deployment to a laparoscopic surgical site through a trocar or the like, and can expand to provide a surface for organ retraction within a body cavity. In the expanded state, the scaffolding may assist a surgical procedure in a variety of ways, such as by providing a rigid structure upon which to secure retracted organs or surgical tools such as lights, cameras, and so forth.