Multi-planar obturator with foldable retractor for minimally invasive access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical access devices that can accommodate multiple instruments are often too large, requiring large incisions or causing damage to smaller ones, making it difficult to position them in minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A radially expandable surgical access device with an elongate shaft and a flexible retractor that can unfold to increase the pathway size through tissue, allowing for smaller incision placement and reduced tissue trauma, featuring longitudinal folds that can be biased to expand or retract for optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large surgical access device is used to accommodate multiple instruments, then the ability to perform multiple procedures through one port is improved, but the size of the incision required increases and tissue damage worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple instrumentsVSAvoidtissue damage from large incision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical access device is divided into multiple expandable segments or struts that can be collapsed during insertion and expanded after positioning. This segmentation allows the device to pass through a small incision in a compressed state and then expand to provide multiple working channels, resolving the contradiction between accommodating multiple instruments and minimizing incision size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple working channels and instruments are nested within a single expandable hub structure. The hub contains multiple ports that can receive different instruments, and the entire assembly is collapsed into a compact form for insertion through a small incision. After positioning, the hub expands to provide access to multiple instruments simultaneously, eliminating the need for a large incision while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large surgical access device is used to accommodate multiple instruments, then the ability to perform multiple procedures through one port is improved, but the incision size required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple instrumentsVSAvoidincision size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical access device transitions from a static large structure to a dynamic expandable structure. The device is designed with movable components that allow it to change size - collapsed to a small diameter for insertion through a minimal incision, then expanded to provide multiple large working channels. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between needing a large device for multiple instruments and requiring a small incision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes parameter changes in its structural dimensions - specifically the outer diameter and cross-sectional area - to resolve the contradiction. The device maintains a small outer diameter during insertion and then changes to a large cross-sectional area after positioning, enabling multiple instruments to pass through while requiring only a small incision. This parameter transformation allows the device to satisfy both constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a large surgical access device is wedged into place, then the ability to provide stable access is improved, but the damage to the incision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of access device positioningVSAvoiddamage to incision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is positioned and secured through a small incision before expansion occurs. The insertion mechanism allows the collapsed device to pass through the incision first, establishing the access pathway, and only then is the device expanded to its full size. This preliminary positioning action prevents the need to wedge a large device through tissue, thereby maintaining incision integrity while achieving stable access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates tissue protection features such as rounded leading edges, flexible materials, and controlled expansion mechanisms that cushion the transition from insertion to expansion. These features prevent sharp forces from damaging the incision during the expansion process, allowing the device to achieve stable positioning without causing excessive trauma to the access site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8361109B2Multi-planar obturator with foldable retractor

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Various methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access to a body cavity using a surgical access device that can include an elongate flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a sidewall extending therebetween. The elongate flexible member can be movable between a first position in which the elongate flexible member has at least one longitudinal fold formed in the sidewall such that a width of a longitudinal opening extending through the elongate flexible member is reduced, and a second position in which the fold in the sidewall is unfolded such that a width of the longitudinal opening is increased. In some embodiments, an obturator having expansion members can be used to unfold the elongate flexible member.