Multi-lumen Access Device with Tapered Fluid Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges due to debris accumulation on the lenses of viewing instruments like endoscopes and laparoscopes, which requires frequent cleaning, increasing procedure time and risk of instrument damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with multiple lumens and a tip member featuring strategically positioned ports for fluid delivery, allowing for efficient cleaning of the lens without removing the instrument from the surgical site, utilizing a valve system to control fluid flow and a tapered configuration to enhance fluid velocity for effective debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the endoscope is cleaned by removing and re-inserting it into the surgical site, then the lens can be cleaned, but the procedure time increases and the risk of instrument damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions a cleaning device with lumens and ports at the distal end of the endoscope shaft, allowing cleaning actions to be performed in advance without removing the endoscope from the surgical site. The cleaning device is already in place with fluid delivery pathways configured, enabling immediate cleaning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning device that can be coupled to the endoscope shaft. This cleaning device includes multiple lumens and ports that serve as a mediator between the cleaning solution source and the lens, allowing fluid delivery and cleaning actions without direct manipulation of the endoscope itself.
2Reliability
If the endoscope is cleaned by removing and re-inserting it into the surgical site, then the lens can be cleaned, but the risk of damage to seals and instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is pre-configured with multiple lumens and ports positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft, allowing cleaning actions to be performed in advance without removing the endoscope from the surgical site. This eliminates repeated manipulation and insertion that could damage seals and instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning device that can be coupled to the endoscope shaft. This cleaning device includes multiple lumens and ports that serve as a mediator between the cleaning solution source and the lens, allowing fluid delivery and cleaning actions without direct manipulation of the endoscope itself, thereby reducing mechanical stress on seals and instruments.
3Productivity
If multiple lumens are used for fluid delivery, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into multiple functional lumens within a single integrated structure. Each lumen can be dedicated to specific functions (e.g., insufflation, cleaning fluid delivery), allowing independent control and optimization of each flow path while maintaining overall system coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality, where the same device structure serves multiple purposes: fluid delivery for cleaning, insufflation for lens manipulation, and potential integration with the endoscope's existing systems. This universal design justifies the added complexity by providing versatile cleaning capabilities.
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 continuous, efficient cleaning of viewing instruments during procedures, reducing time and minimizing instrument handling, thus improving surgical efficiency and reducing the risk of damage to seals and instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The first port may have a tapered configuration that extends between a proximal region and a distal region of the first port. The tapered configuration of the first port may increase a velocity of the fluid passing through the first port.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the housing, a valve disposed on the housing, and a tip member at a distal end of the tubular member. The housing includes a seal and the tubular member includes a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The valve is fluidly coupled with a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and the tip member includes a first port that is aligned and fluidly coupled with the first lumen of the plurality of lumens. The first port is configured to direct a fluid towards a predetermined location.