Implantable Access Port Anchor Deployment via Independent Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching implantable access ports to patients are inefficient, often requiring sutures which are time-consuming and inconvenient, and existing fastening systems are overly complex and unsuitable for various medical devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of implantable access ports with independent moving gears and actuation devices that allow for easy and secure attachment to bodily tissue, utilizing a system of gears and drive bands to deploy anchors into the tissue, enabling quick and secure attachment without the need for sutures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional external pistol-like applying means with geared teeth and springs is used to fasten the implantable access port, then the fastening can be achieved in a few seconds, but the device complexity increases and the system becomes unnecessarily complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the implantable access port housing, the anchor, and the drive mechanism. The gear system is segmented into individual gear teeth that engage with corresponding teeth on the housing, allowing independent movement and deployment of the anchor without requiring a complex integrated pistol-like structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex external pistol-like applying means with springs and geared teeth is extracted and replaced with a simpler integrated gear system where the gear is directly coupled to the anchor. The spring mechanism is replaced with a more straightforward drive band and actuation system, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining the rapid attachment capability.
2Reliability
If separate fasteners are inserted one at a time using a tool that is repositioned for each fastener, then the fastening can be achieved, but the surgical time increases and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gear teeth are combined into a single integrated gear structure that is coupled to the anchor. This allows all gear teeth to be engaged and deployed simultaneously through one continuous rotational movement of the drive band, eliminating the need to reposition the tool for each individual fastener while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth are pre-configured on the gear structure before implantation. The drive band is pre-loaded with the actuation force, and the gear system is pre-assembled with the anchor. This preliminary preparation allows the entire fastening operation to be completed in a single continuous motion without repeated tool repositioning, significantly improving surgical efficiency.
3Reliability
If the implantable access port is sutured into place with multiple sutures, then secure attachment is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The manual suturing process is replaced with a mechanical gear-driven anchor deployment system. The gear rotates in response to drive band movement, automatically driving the anchor into the tissue to secure the access port. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual needle-and-thread suturing process while providing equivalent or superior attachment security through the self-biting gear teeth engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An implantable injection port comprises a base. A first gear is coupled to the base, and a first anchor is coupled to the first gear. A second gear is coupled to the base, and a second anchor is coupled to the second gear. A top portion of the injection port is spaced apart from the base of the port and has a first plurality of top teeth that engage with a first plurality of gear teeth on the first gear. This engagement occurs prior to rotation of the second gear. The top portion rotates, which causes rotation of the first gear, which in turn causes movement of the first anchor through the anchor opening of the base and into the tissue of the patient. The first gear and the second gear rotate non-simultaneously.