Morcellator Valve Seal for Multi-Size Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for minimally invasive procedures face challenges in maintaining a gas-tight seal when using instruments of different sizes, leading to potential gas leakage and pressure issues during surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A morcellator system with a handle and valves that accommodate instruments of varying diameters, utilizing an insert with a stem and valves to ensure a gas-tight seal for both larger and smaller diameter instruments, while allowing easy insertion and detachment based on force ranges, preventing gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve mechanism is used in the handle portion, then the structure is simple, but it cannot form a gas-tight seal with instruments of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve mechanism is segmented into a first valve and a second valve positioned at different locations within the lumen. The first valve seals with larger diameter instruments while the second valve seals with smaller diameter instruments, allowing the system to accommodate multiple instrument sizes without requiring a completely different valve for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
An insert with its own valve mechanism is nested within the handle portion, creating a nested configuration where the insert's valve works in conjunction with the handle's valves. This nested structure allows the system to adapt to different instrument diameters by utilizing the appropriate valve based on the inserted instrument size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second valve is positioned to seal with smaller instruments, then small instruments can be sealed, but it cannot effectively seal with larger diameter instruments
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the lumen are equipped with valves having different sealing characteristics. The first valve is positioned and configured to effectively seal with larger diameter instruments, while the second valve is positioned more distally to effectively seal with smaller diameter instruments. This local differentiation ensures reliable sealing regardless of instrument size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an insert is added to accommodate smaller instruments, then multi-size compatibility is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insert serves multiple functions: it provides a sealing surface for smaller diameter instruments through its own valve, acts as a structural component within the lumen, and can be removed or replaced as needed. This multi-functionality justifies the additional structural element by consolidating several purposes into a single component.
4Reliability
If the stem of the insert is made longer to improve sealing, then sealing contact is improved, but it may extend too far and cause leakage at the second valve
Solution Approach 1:
The stem length is pre-determined during design to be sufficient for the insert to engage the first valve and form an effective seal, but not so long as to interfere with the second valve's sealing function. This preliminary sizing prevents both insufficient sealing and excessive extension that would cause leakage.
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
Enables the use of different sized surgical instruments while maintaining effective gas insulation, preventing pressure loss and ensuring efficient surgical procedures by forming a gas-tight seal with both larger and smaller diameter instruments.
Implementation Method 1
the first valve being such that it forms a substantially gas-tight seal around the shaft of the first tissue pulling device when the first tissue pulling device is inserted within the handle
Implementation Method 2
the second valve being such that it forms a substantially gas-tight seal when no tissue pulling device is inserted within the handle
Implementation Method 3
the third valve being such that it forms a substantially gas-tight seal around the shaft of the second tissue pulling device when the second tissue pulling device is inserted into the lumen of the insert
Implementation Method 4
the stem being of a size such that it can be received in the aperture in the handle to locate the insert against the handle and form a substantially gas-tight seal in combination with the first valve
Data Source
AI summary
A morcellator (1) for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient is provided in combination with first (17) and second (18) tissue-pulling devices, and an insert (19). The morcellator (1) comprises a handle portion (2) having a lumen (6) passing therethrough, and an aperture (10) communicating with the proximal end of the lumen. A tube (3) extends from the handle portion and has a tissue cutting device (7) located at the distal end of the tube. The handle includes first (11) and second (12) valves associated with the lumen of the handle portion, and the first and second tissue-pulling devices have shafts of a first diameter and second diameter respectively. The insert (19) comprises a stem (21) and a body portion (20), the stem being received in the aperture (10) to form a substantially gas-tight seal in combination with the first valve (11). The body portion (20) remains outside the aperture and includes a third valve (22), the third valve (22) being such that is forms a substantially gas-tight seal around the shaft of the second tissue pulling device (18) when the second tissue pulling device is inserted into the lumen of the insert.