Pinch-to-Release Cannula Depth Limiter for Trocar Over-Insertion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical trocars lack an effective mechanism to limit the depth of insertion into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to unintended contact with anatomical structures and complications during laparoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a depth limiter mechanism that can be selectively coupled with the cannula tube of the trocar, allowing for adjustable axial movement to prevent over-insertion and stabilize the trocar relative to the abdominal wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trocar is allowed to move freely without a depth limiter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of over-insertion and unintended contact with anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter is pre-configured with a predetermined depth setting that automatically engages to stop the trocar before it can be inserted too deeply. This preliminary action prevents over-insertion before it can occur, resolving the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability through pre-established safety limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth limiter acts as an intermediary component between the trocar and the abdominal cavity, providing a mechanical barrier that prevents direct contact between the trocar and anatomical structures at unsafe depths. This mediator maintains operational freedom while enforcing safety constraints.
2Reliability
If a depth limiter mechanism is added to the trocar, then the reliability is improved by preventing over-insertion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter is designed as a separate, modular component that can be attached to or integrated with the trocar. This segmentation allows the depth limiting function to be added without redesigning the entire trocar system, thus improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth limiter can be implemented as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or durable construction. This approach improves reliability through consistent pre-set depth limits while keeping the device simple and cost-effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the depth limiter is made adjustable, then the adaptability is improved to suit different surgical procedures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth limiter incorporates adjustable depth settings that can be modified during or before the surgical procedure. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple structure through straightforward adjustment mechanisms such as rotatable rings or sliding scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth limiter is designed with multiple adjustable settings that can accommodate various surgical procedures and patient anatomies. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple functions and depth requirements, improving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A depth limiter that is configured to couple with a cannula of a surgical access device. The depth limiter includes first and second user contact portions and first and second biasing features. The first biasing feature includes a first resilient portion and a first gripping surface. The second biasing feature includes a second resilient portion and a second gripping surface. The first and second resilient portions are configured to move the respective first and second gripping surfaces from a fixed configuration to a movable configuration when the respective first and second user contact portions are actuated. In the fixed configuration, the first and second gripping surfaces collectively restrict axial movement of the depth limiter by directly contacting the cannula. In the movable configuration, the first and second gripping surfaces extend parallel to a longitudinal axis and allow for axial movement of the depth limiter relative to the cannula.