Pivotable Suction Head for Laparoscopic Tissue Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting abdominal tissue during laparoscopic surgery, such as using manual grasping or devices like LapDome, are either cumbersome, limit surgical technique flexibility, or pose risks of injury and discomfort due to the need for external suction or piercing the skin.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a handle and pivotable suction head that allows for angular motion and negative pressure creation, enabling secure and controlled tissue lifting without the need for external suction or skin piercing, and accommodating various trocar insertion methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual grasping or towel clips are used to lift the abdominal wall, then tissue elevation is achieved, but the risk of injury to underlying structures and postoperative discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized lifting instrument as an intermediary tool between the surgeon's hand and the abdominal wall. This instrument features a curved tip that specifically engages only the abdominal wall tissue, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact with underlying structures while still achieving effective tissue elevation for safe trocar insertion.
2Strength
If towel clips are used to lift the abdominal wall, then a secure grasp is achieved, but skin piercing and trauma to vessels occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting instrument features a localized curved tip design that concentrates the grasping function at a specific non-piercing interface with the abdominal wall. This local quality modification allows secure engagement of tissue without the need for piercing mechanisms, eliminating vessel trauma while maintaining grasp security.
3Ease of operation
If the abdominal wall is grasped by hand, then lifting is achieved, but maintaining proper grip and elevation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting instrument is designed with a self-retaining curved tip that naturally maintains engagement with the abdominal wall during the insertion procedure. The geometry of the tip allows it to self-position and self-maintain the required elevation without requiring continuous active manipulation by the surgeon, providing consistent and reliable tissue lifting 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 a secure, comfortable, and injury-reducing means to lift abdominal tissue, allowing for precise control and flexibility in surgical technique, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is disposed on the handle, and an actuator is coupled to the pump. Once a suction force is established between the suction head and the patient, the user may then lift the surgical device away from the patient's body to lift tissue for trocar insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a handle and a suction head pivotally attached to the handle. The suction head includes an open-ended suction chamber having a rim positioned to engage the patient's skin. An actuator on the handle operates a pump to draw a negative pressure in the suction chamber, causing the rim to seal against the patient's skin via the suction force. Once the suction force is initiated, the user may lift the handle away from the patient's body to lift tissue. The lifted tissue provides a site for insertion of a trocar or Veress needle for a laparoscopic procedure in some embodiments. A gimbal disposed between the handle and the suction head provides at least two degrees of freedom such that the handle can be rotated and pivoted to optimize the direction of applied lifting force.