Multi-port Surgical Access Device with Sealed Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic surgical procedures face limitations in providing adequate access and tactile feedback due to the small size of instruments and restricted access through small ports, which hinders the surgeon's ability to manipulate tissues effectively and maintain insufflation without gas leakage.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access device with a multi-port insert that includes a base with multiple apertures for instrument insertion, each equipped with a seal assembly to prevent gas leakage, and instrument supports to secure instruments in place, allowing for multiple instruments to be used simultaneously while maintaining insufflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If small ports are used for laparoscopic access, then minimally invasive benefits are achieved, but instrument manipulation capability and tactile feedback are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimally invasive benefitsVSAvoidinstrument manipulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access device is segmented into multiple functional components: a base portion with multiple apertures for instrument insertion, a seal assembly with multiple seals to maintain insufflation, and instrument supports for securing instruments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing enhanced access capability through a single port site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional single-channel linear access to a multi-aperture three-dimensional access structure. The base portion contains multiple apertures arranged in a pattern that allows instruments to be inserted at different angles and positions, creating a multi-dimensional access workspace while still passing through a single port in the body wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are inserted through small ports, then surgical versatility is improved, but gas leakage and insufflation maintenance become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical versatilityVSAvoidinsufflation maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the base portion provides structural support and multiple instrument passages, the seal assembly maintains insufflation pressure through multiple seals corresponding to each aperture, and the instrument supports secure instruments in place. This multi-functionality allows the single device to handle multiple instruments while maintaining gas barrier integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal assembly acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the insufflated body cavity. Multiple seals are positioned at the apertures to create gas-tight barriers, preventing gas leakage while allowing instruments to pass through. The seal assembly mediates the conflict between needing open apertures for instruments and needing closed apertures for gas containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If hand-assisted access is used, then tactile feedback is improved, but incision size and minimally invasive benefits are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidminimally invasive benefits
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access device enables nested configuration where the surgeon's hand can be inserted through the base portion alongside multiple instruments. The hand and instruments share the same access pathway, with the hand providing tactile feedback and the instruments providing precise surgical manipulation. This nesting allows both hand-assisted tactile feedback and instrument precision within a single access site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP1871456B1Surgical instrument system
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
  • EP1871456B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1
  • EP1871456B1 patent drawingFigure 1-2~1-3
  • EP1871456B1 patent drawingFigure 1-4~1-5

AI summary

A surgical instrument system is provided for a hand-assisted, laparoscopic procedure. The system has a laparoscopic disc that is adaptable to hold multiple surgical instrument. Other elements in the surgical instrument system include a storage pouch for placement within the body cavity, a device for supporting tissue, a device for relocating tissue away from a surgical site, and tissue markers for marking tissue to plan a surgical event.