Offset Chamber Surgical Access Device for Wrist Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access devices for laparoscopic surgery often cause discomfort and tingling due to pressure on the wrist, leading to reduced usability over time, and fail to effectively maintain a seal during prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with multiple interconnected chambers that allow for offset regions of overlap, enabling comfortable use by reducing pressure points and maintaining a seal through adjustable inflation and rotation, while incorporating additional sealing layers for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing layer is used in surgical access devices, then the device structure is simpler, but the sealing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing layers (first sealing layer and second sealing layer), each capable of providing sealing independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the device to maintain effective sealing while distributing the sealing function across multiple components, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the first sealing layer and second sealing layer are positioned one over the other, with the instrument passage traversing through both layers. This nesting arrangement enhances sealing reliability by creating multiple sealing barriers without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the layers are integrated into a unified structure.
2Reliability
If uniform pressure is applied across the wrist, then the sealing is more effective, but the discomfort and tingling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies pressure non-uniformly across the wrist, with the first and second sealing layers creating localized pressure zones at different positions. This local quality approach allows effective sealing at the contact points while leaving other areas of the wrist with reduced pressure, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness while minimizing discomfort and tingling sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional aspect by stacking sealing layers vertically (in the thickness direction of the wrist) rather than relying solely on a single planar sealing surface. This multi-layer configuration distributes pressure across different spatial dimensions, achieving effective sealing while reducing concentrated pressure points that cause discomfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is fixed in one orientation, then the sealing position is stable, but the adaptability to different surgical positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates rotational capability that allows it to change orientation dynamically during surgical procedures. The multi-layer sealing structure maintains effective sealing regardless of the device's rotational position, enabling the surgeon to rotate the device to comfortable positions while maintaining stable sealing performance throughout the procedure.
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 provides prolonged comfort by reducing tingling and maintaining effective sealing during laparoscopic procedures, allowing for adjustable pressure and enhanced sealing capabilities through offset chamber designs and additional sealing layers.
Implementation Method 1
the chambers having an uninflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the chambers having a region of overlap in the uninflated configuration and the chambers being configured for sealing with an object inserted through the region of overlap in the inflated configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical access sealing device comprises expansile chambers (306, 307,308, 309) which define inflation spaces. An upper layer (304) in one case comprises two chambers (306, 307) which are overlapped when uninflated. A lower layer (305) comprises two chambers (308, 309) which are also overlapped, when uninflated. The region of overlap between the chambers (306, 307) of the first layer is offset from the region of overlap between the chambers (308, 309) of the second layer. The walls of the inflated chambers are movable for passage of an object such as a surgeon's arm / hand whilst maintaining a seal.