Multi-stage Dilator and Cannula Nested Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in efficiently and safely accessing anatomical features within the body due to limitations in tissue dilation and portal creation, which can lead to longer procedure times and increased recovery periods.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage dilator and cannula assembly with nested elongated members that progressively dilate tissue, allowing for precise and controlled access to target areas within the body, utilizing a nested configuration where each successive member has a larger outer dimension and shorter length, enabling sequential advancement and dilation under image-guided surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-stage dilator is used to access anatomical features, then the procedure is simpler, but tissue damage increases and access precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dilator assembly is divided into multiple discrete dilators (first dilator, second dilator, third dilator) with progressively increasing outer dimensions. Each dilator can be individually advanced and removed, allowing staged tissue dilation that minimizes damage compared to a single large dilator. The segmented design enables precise control over the dilation process at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilators are configured in a nested arrangement where smaller dilators can be inserted within larger dilators. This nesting allows the entire assembly to be introduced through a small initial incision, with each dilator sequentially expanding the access pathway. The nested structure reduces the initial access requirement while enabling progressive tissue dilation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dilators are used to progressively dilate tissue, then access precision improves, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dilators with different outer dimensions are combined into a single integrated assembly that can be introduced simultaneously through one incision. The dilators are arranged concentrically with tapered surfaces that allow them to be advanced together as a unit, reducing the number of separate insertion steps required while maintaining progressive dilation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilators are pre-configured in nested positions within the assembly before introduction to the patient's body. The tapered surfaces and interlocking features are designed in advance to automatically align and advance each dilator to its proper position during a single insertion motion, eliminating the need for manual positioning of each dilator separately and reducing procedure time.
3Length of moving object
If larger dilators are used to access deeper anatomical features, then access depth improves, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access pathway creation is segmented into multiple stages, with each dilator contributing to a portion of the total depth achievement. The first dilator creates initial access, the second dilator extends the pathway further, and the third dilator achieves the final depth. This segmentation allows deep access to be achieved through cumulative small increments rather than a single large traumatic insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer dimensions of the dilators are progressively changed across the sequence, with each subsequent dilator having a slightly larger outer dimension than the previous one. This gradual parameter change in diameter allows the tissue to adapt and dilate incrementally, reducing trauma while achieving the necessary access depth for reaching target anatomical features.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A multi-stage dilator and cannula assembly for use in surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to provide tissue dilation and opening of a portal to enable the surgeon to access and provide treatment to anatomical feature of interest.