Port Fixation Device with Movable Tabs for Laparoscopic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in maintaining the position of surgical access ports within the body, particularly when exposed to pressurized environments, leading to issues with seal integrity and stability.
Innovation Solution
A port fixation device with a body portion and plug, featuring a circular aperture and pivotable tabs, utilizes a biasing element like a metal spring to adjust the aperture diameter for secure engagement and pressure-tight sealing, along with an elastomeric or foam plug for enhanced sealing and engagement with the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical access port is introduced through an incision to provide access to a body cavity, then surgical instrumentation can be introduced to perform the procedure, but the position of the surgical access port cannot be maintained with respect to the body wall when exposed to a pressurized environment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device employs movable tabs that can transition between different positions to dynamically adapt to pressure changes. The first tab is movable relative to the second tab, allowing the aperture diameter to change in response to pressurized environments while maintaining the seal integrity and port position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameter of the aperture diameter by moving the first tab relative to the second tab. This parameter change allows the aperture to adapt from a first size to a second size, enabling the device to maintain reliability under varying pressure conditions while preserving seal integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the aperture diameter is changed to accommodate insertion and removal of the surgical access port, then ease of operation is improved, but the seal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable first tab creates a dynamic sealing mechanism that adapts to different operational states. During insertion and removal, the tab moves to facilitate ease of operation, while during pressurized procedures, the tab position maintains seal integrity, providing dynamic adaptation to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is segmented into distinct functional components: the body portion with aperture, the movable first tab for size adjustment, the second tab for structural support, and the separate plug for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to maintain both ease of operation and seal integrity.
3Reliability
If a rigid structure is used to maintain the position of the surgical access port, then position stability is improved, but the ability to adapt to pressurized environments and maintain seal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable tabs. The first tab can move relative to the second tab, enabling the structure to adapt to pressurized environments while maintaining position stability. This dynamic capability allows the device to respond to pressure changes without compromising seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug component acts as a flexible sealing element that can deform and adapt to maintain the seal under pressurized conditions. This flexible element works in conjunction with the movable tabs to provide both position stability and adaptability to the pressurized environment.
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 effectively maintains the position of surgical access ports, ensuring a pressure-tight seal and facilitating easy insertion and removal, while the elastomeric plug maintains engagement even under pressure, preventing loss of pressure and bleeding.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing element may be a metal spring
Implementation Method 2
The plug is disposed in mechanical engagement with the body portion, and has sufficient elasticity to remain engaged with the body portion when the first tab is in the first position and in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A port fixation device is disclosed and includes a body portion and a plug. The body portion includes a circular portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The circular portion defines an aperture which is configured to allow a surgical access port to extend therethrough. The first tab and the second tab are disposed in mechanical cooperation with the circular portion. Movement of the first tab with respect to the second tab from a first position to a second position causes a diameter of the aperture to change from a first size to a second size. The first size is smaller than the second size, and the first position of the first tab is its rest position. The plug is disposed in mechanical engagement with the body portion, and has sufficient elasticity to remain engaged with the body portion when the first tab is in the first position and in the second position.