Selectively Lockable Surgical Access Assembly for Minimally Invasive Brain Procedures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical techniques for accessing brain tissue are invasive and can cause trauma due to the use of blunt or rigid instruments, leading to deformation and damage of delicate structures, and existing systems require constant repositioning, prolonging procedure time.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access assembly with a hollow outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator featuring a tapered, radiused distal end and a locking mechanism, allowing for atraumatic dilation and minimally invasive access while enabling real-time imaging and navigation to minimize tissue damage and facilitate precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional blunt or rigid surgical instruments are used to access brain tissue, then access to deep brain structures is achieved, but tissue trauma and deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess depth to brain structuresVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The obturator's distal end geometry is changed from traditional blunt or rigid shapes to a specifically engineered tapered configuration with radiused edges. This parameter change in shape allows the instrument to dilate tissue atraumatically while maintaining the ability to reach deep brain structures, thereby reducing tissue trauma without compromising access depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If surgical retractors are used to create access, then deep brain structures become accessible, but retraction injury occurs due to lateral pressure on brain tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess depthVSAvoidretraction injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for surgical retractors entirely by using a cannulated drill bit system that creates its own access pathway through the skull and brain tissue. The hollow outer sheath with tapered distal end allows direct access to deep brain structures without requiring lateral retraction of brain tissue, thereby preventing retraction injury while maintaining access depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the surgical access system allows free movement for positioning, then precise positioning is achieved, but constant repositioning is required which prolongs procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is engaged after the hollow outer sheath is initially positioned using navigation guidance. This preliminary positioning followed by locking eliminates the need for constant repositioning during the procedure. The mechanism allows precise positioning to be achieved once, then maintains that position稳定ly, thereby reducing procedure time while preserving positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If the surgical access system is locked in position for stability, then positioning stability is achieved, but the ability to reposition for adjustments is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. It can be engaged to provide stable positioning during surgical procedures, and disengaged when repositioning is needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between stable and mobile states, thereby maintaining both positioning stability and repositioning capability throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces tissue trauma, allows for precise and efficient access to deep brain structures, and enables real-time visualization and navigation, thereby minimizing neurological deficits and shortening procedure time.

Implementation Method 1

A surgical access assembly with a hollow outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator featuring a tapered, radiused distal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

allowing for atraumatic dilation and minimally invasive access while enabling real-time imaging and navigation to minimize tissue damage and facilitate precise positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10543057B2Selectively lockable holding arrangement for a surgical access system

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.