Lighted Cannula with Reflective Luminal Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive brain or spine surgery cannulas face challenges in providing adequate lighting to the surgical site, often requiring complex optical systems or excessive light sources, which can obstruct the cannula lumen and complicate the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A cannula system with a highly polished and smooth luminal surface, combined with LED light sources focused at specific angles relative to the cannula axis, enhances lighting by minimizing obstruction and ensuring ample illumination at the surgical site without the need for embedded optical fibers or complex light guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If complex optical systems or excessive light sources are used to provide adequate lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity increases and cannula lumen obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cannula surface by applying a highly reflective coating (such as gold or aluminum) to the inner luminal wall. This coating increases the reflectivity parameter of the surface, allowing light to be reflected more efficiently down the length of the cannula to illuminate the surgical site without requiring additional light sources or complex optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective coating acts as an intermediary between the light source and the surgical site. Instead of directly illuminating the target through complex optical paths, the coating mediates light transmission by reflecting light along the cannula interior surfaces, effectively guiding illumination to the distal end with minimal obstruction.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are mounted on the cannula, then illumination intensity is improved, but the cannula lumen becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting function from separate mounted components and integrates it into the cannula structure itself through the reflective coating. The light source remains external or proximal, while the coating throughout the cannula interior serves the illumination function, eliminating the need for multiple mounted light sources that would obstruct the lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective coating serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the cannula and as the primary illumination mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lighting components that would occupy space within the lumen.
3Illumination intensity
If a highly reflective coating is applied to the luminal surface, then light transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies standard industrial coating processes (such as vapor deposition or electroplating) that are well-established in manufacturing. These processes can apply reflective coatings like gold or aluminum to cylindrical surfaces using conventional equipment, making the manufacturing challenge manageable despite the added step.
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 solution provides effective and unobstructed lighting at the surgical site, reducing shadows and improving visualization, while maintaining a simple and durable cannula design suitable for minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A cannula suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery is improved with a highly polished and very smooth luminal wall
Implementation Method 2
LED's or other light sources focused at particular angles relative to the axis of the cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery is improved with a highly polished and very smooth luminal wall and/or LED's or other light sources focused at particular angles relative to the axis of the cannula. The devices provide for improved lighting and/or reduced lighting requirements for cannulas used for minimally invasive surgery.