Nested Seal Sections for Surgical Access Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access assemblies for minimally invasive surgery lack a robust instrument seal that can adjust to multiple sizes and withstand repeated insertions and removals of surgical instruments, particularly those with sharp edges that can damage existing seals.
Innovation Solution
The access assembly features a seal assembly with nested first, second, third, and fourth seal sections, connected by living hinges, formed from polyisoprene or silicone elastomers, which provide a durable seal capable of accommodating various instrument sizes and shapes, and a centering mechanism to maintain the seal assembly's position within the instrument valve housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single instrument seal is used in the access assembly, then the structure is simple, but the seal cannot adjust to multiple instrument sizes and is prone to tearing during repeated insertions and removals
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument seal is divided into multiple seal sections (first seal section, second seal section, third seal section, and fourth seal section) that can independently adjust and nest within each other. Each seal section can be configured with different diameters and shapes to accommodate various instrument sizes, while the nested arrangement maintains a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal sections are arranged in a nested configuration where the first seal section is nested within the second, which is nested within the third, and the fourth seal section encloses them all. This nested structure allows multiple seal sections to occupy minimal space while providing adjustable sealing surfaces for different instrument diameters.
2Reliability
If a traditional instrument seal is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the seal lacks durability and is damaged by sharp edges of surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The seal sections are formed from composite materials such as polyisoprene or silicone elastomers that combine flexibility, durability, and resistance to tearing. These materials can withstand contact with sharp instrument edges while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The composite nature of these materials allows them to be molded into complex nested structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal sections are designed with sufficient thickness and material resilience to cushion against the sharp edges of surgical instruments before contact occurs. The nested structure allows the outer seal sections to absorb and distribute the mechanical stress from instrument edges, protecting the inner seal sections from direct damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seal sections are nested to accommodate various instruments, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each seal section is designed to serve multiple functions: providing a seal for instruments of various sizes, protecting inner seal sections from damage, and maintaining a compact nested structure. The first seal section can seal smaller instruments while allowing larger instruments to pass through, and the nested arrangement allows the same structure to accommodate a wide range of instrument diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal sections are arranged concentrically in three-dimensional space, with each section occupying a different radial dimension. This vertical stacking of seal sections allows multiple sealing surfaces to be packed into a compact volume, providing adjustability for various instrument sizes without increasing the overall footprint of the access assembly.
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 solution enhances the durability and adaptability of the instrument seal, reducing the risk of tearing and ensuring consistent sealing performance during minimally invasive procedures, even with instruments having sharp edges.
Implementation Method 1
The fourth seal section may be connected to the third seal section by a first connector portion, the third seal section may be connected to the second seal section by a second connector portion, and the second seal section may be connected to the first seal section by a third connector portion. The first, second, and third connector portions may include living hinges.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within a cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly (140) and a seal assembly (160) disposed adjacent to the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth seal sections (162, 164, 166, 168). The first seal section is nested within the second seal section, the first and second seal sections are nested within the third seal section, and the first, second, and third seal sections are nested within the fourth seal section.