Multi-Port Pneumoperitoneum Distribution for Stable Laparoscopic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery insufflation systems face challenges with gas flow restriction due to trocar volume occupation by surgical tools, leading to pressure instability and increased risk of malpositioned trocars during suctioning or smoke evacuation, particularly in robotic surgery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port gas flow distribution device with an insufflation chamber and exhaust chamber, utilizing luer lock connections and pressure fit tubing to distribute high-flow gas to multiple trocars, while isolating insufflation and exhaust pathways to maintain stable pneumoperitoneum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single trocar is used to carry insufflation gas, then the system is simple, but the internal capacity is significantly reduced when surgical tools are introduced into the trocar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single insufflation pathway into multiple separate pathways by providing a distribution device with multiple outlet ports, each connected to a separate trocar. This segmentation allows each trocar to carry full insufflation flow independently, eliminating the flow restriction that occurs when multiple tools share a single trocar channel.
2Quantity of substance
If outer channels are used to carry gases around a central trocar sheath, then gas flow capacity is improved, but the overall size of the trocar significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large trocar with outer channels, the patent segments the gas delivery function across multiple separate trocars. Each trocar maintains its original size and is connected to the distribution device, which splits the insufflation gas into multiple independent streams, one for each trocar.
3Device complexity
If a single inflow tubing is used, then the system is simple, but pressure stability is compromised during suctioning or smoke evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insufflation delivery into multiple independent pathways through the distribution device with multiple outlet ports. This segmentation creates redundant gas delivery channels, so that during suctioning or smoke evacuation events affecting one trocar, the other trocars maintain stable insufflation pressure and continue to sustain pneumoperitoneum.
4Quantity of substance
If larger incisions are made to accommodate high-flow gas delivery, then gas flow capacity is improved, but the risk of postoperative hernia formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-flow insufflation requirement across multiple separate trocars rather than requiring a single large trocar. Each trocar can use its original size, avoiding the need for larger incisions that would increase hernia risk, while collectively providing the necessary total gas flow capacity through the multi-port distribution device.
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 system provides high-flow, constant or variable pressure pneumoperitoneum, reducing the need for larger incisions and minimizing the risk of trocar malpositioning, enhancing surgical visibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an insufflation system for creating a high-flow, constant or variable pressure pneumoperitoneum
Implementation Method 2
The first end of each outlet tube may be pressure fit to a corresponding one of the outlet ports such that an inner surface of the outlet tube directly engages a barb on an outer surface of the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
An insufflation system for creating a high-flow, constant pressure pneumoperitoneum, the system including: a gas flow distribution device including: a housing defining an insufflation chamber; an inlet port on the housing and configured to be connected to an insufflator to provide insufflation gas from the insufflator to the insufflation chamber; and a plurality of outlet ports on the housing configured to be connected to a plurality of trocars, each outlet port configured to be connected to a dedicated one of the plurality of trocars, to concurrently distribute the insufflation gas from the insufflation chamber to each of the plurality of trocars.