Multicomponent Trocar with Segmented Access Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trocars used in vacuum-assisted surgery face challenges such as insufficient working length, difficulty in maneuverability, risk of accidental organ contact, and inability to accommodate varying patient anatomy, leading to issues with creating and maintaining an optimal operative space without causing internal organ displacement or gas pocket formation.
Innovation Solution
A multicomponent passageway device with detachable members providing a continuous internal lumen for bi-directional air movement, allowing access to the body cavity before vacuum application, and accommodating varying patient anatomy, while avoiding forced penetration and maintaining ambient conditions within the operative space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional trocar with increased length is used to accommodate varying patient anatomy, then the working length is sufficient for all patients, but the device becomes difficult to maneuver and restricts movement during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar is divided into multiple detachable segments (first trocar portion, second trocar portion, third trocar portion) that can be connected in sequence. This allows the working length to be adjusted by connecting different numbers of segments according to patient needs, while each individual segment remains short enough to maintain good maneuverability during surgical operations.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional bladed trocar is used for blind entry into the body cavity, then access is achieved, but there is a risk of accidental contact with internal organs
Solution Approach 1:
A separate introducer needle or trocar puncture device is used first to create the initial access pathway through the abdominal wall under direct visualization. The main trocar is then introduced through this pre-established pathway, eliminating the need for blind insertion and reducing the risk of accidental organ contact.
3Device complexity
If a conventional fixed-length trocar is used, then the device is simple in design, but it cannot accommodate different patient body types and tissue thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Multiple standardized segments can be connected in varying combinations to create different total lengths, allowing the same basic device components to adapt to different patient anatomies while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
4Ease of operation
If vacuum is applied to lift the abdominal wall before trocar insertion, then the operative space is created, but internal organs may also lift and form gas pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar is inserted through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity first, establishing a sealed access pathway. Only after the trocar is in place does vacuum suction begin to lift the abdominal wall through the trocar opening. This sequence prevents organs from being drawn upward before the access pathway is established, eliminating the mechanism for gas pocket formation.
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 device ensures a stable and flexible operative space at ambient conditions, facilitating instrument passage, tissue removal, and venting of fumes, while preventing internal organ displacement and gas pocket formation, and allows for post-operative drainage.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum shell
Implementation Method 2
maintain ambient conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides, in one embodiment, a multifunctional, multi-piece medical device and related method for providing access to an internal body cavity, such as for use with a vacuum lift shell. The device can include a cannula and a cannula extension. The device provides a conduit between the external environment and operative field inside the patient's body during medical procedures, including diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. The invention allows entry and exit of air or gas to help create and maintain the operative field. The invention can be used to provide an open and unobstructed working path, and allows the operative space to be maintained at ambient conditions of pressure and temperature.