Pneumatic Sealing System for Multichannel Surgical Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive surgery techniques, such as NOTES, face challenges in using flexible endoscopes with rigid instruments due to difficulties in sealing and maintaining cavity pressure, leading to complications during single incision surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic sealing system integrated into a multichannel surgical device allows for the simultaneous use of flexible endoscopes and rigid instruments by inflating an inflatable pad to seal the working channel, preventing air leaks and damage to the endoscope, while maintaining cavity pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible endoscope is used through a conventional trocar, then the surgery can be performed with rigid instruments, but the endoscope cannot be properly sealed and cavity pressure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use both flexible endoscope and rigid instrumentsVSAvoidcavity pressure maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the working channel into separate sealed pathways: a central lumen for the flexible endoscope and peripheral ports for rigid instruments. Each pathway has its own sealing mechanism, allowing independent control and preventing cross-contamination or pressure loss between channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An inflatable sealing element acts as an intermediary between the flexible endoscope and the device wall. This intermediary component creates a dynamic seal that adapts to the endoscope's flexibility while maintaining cavity pressure, solving the contradiction between flexibility and sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a flexible endoscope is used through a conventional trocar, then the surgical approach is simplified, but the endoscope is damaged due to improper sealing and movement constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of surgical approachVSAvoidendoscope damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is made of flexible material that can conform to the endoscope's shape and movements. This flexible sealing approach allows the endoscope to move freely without rigid constraints that would cause damage, while still maintaining an effective seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The inflatable element can expand and contract to accommodate endoscope insertion, movement, and removal, providing continuous protection against damage while maintaining sealing integrity throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid instruments are used in single incision surgery, then the surgical precision is improved, but the ability to work in parallel with flexible endoscopes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidability to work in parallel with flexible endoscopes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate both rigid surgical instruments and flexible endoscopes simultaneously. The multichannel structure with separate sealed pathways allows each instrument type to perform its optimal function without interfering with the other, achieving multi-functionality in a single-port system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs a nested configuration where the flexible endoscope passes through the central lumen while rigid instruments access the cavity through peripheral ports. This nested arrangement allows both instrument types to coexist in the same surgical field, with the flexible endoscope providing visualization and the rigid instruments performing precise surgical maneuvers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables safe and effective 'fusion surgery' by allowing flexible endoscopes to be used with rigid instruments without losing cavity pressure, reducing the risk of damage and complications during single incision surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable pad inflatable with a fluid, such inflatable pad being configured for exerting pressure on an external element when inflated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11571240B2Surgery multichannel device

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 SERVIZO GALEGO DE SAUDESERGAS

AI summary

The invention provides a pneumatic sealing system device which allows sealing a working channel, a surgery multichannel device comprising a pneumatic sealing system and a method for installing said pneumatic sealing system on a multichannel device. The device is a mentioned instruments simultaneously.