Programmable Stiffness Tissue Displacement via Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques face challenges in providing adequate retraction and visibility without increasing the number of incisions or requiring additional surgical team members to hold retractors, as existing systems are either invasive, not intuitive, or require mechanical fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device using compliant jammable layer components within a flexible envelope, which transitions from a malleable to a rigid state via negative pressure, allowing for hands-free retraction without additional incisions, and includes inflatable positive pressure chambers for increased friction and a high-friction surface for secure anatomical structure retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid retractors are used, then retraction stability is improved, but additional incisions or mechanical fixtures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor utilizes a jamming mechanism that transitions the structure from a flexible, insertable state to a rigid, stable state dynamically. The compliant layers are initially loose and flexible for insertion through small incisions, then jam together under vacuum to provide rigid retraction stability, eliminating the need for additional incisions or mechanical fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the retractor is changed by applying vacuum pressure, which alters the friction between compliant layers. This parameter change transforms the retractor from a flexible configuration suitable for minimally invasive insertion to a rigid configuration that provides stable retraction, resolving the contradiction between stability and incision requirements.
2Ease of operation
If hand-held retractors are used, then retraction control is improved, but surgical team member availability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is designed to be self-holding through the jamming mechanism. Once inserted and vacuum is applied, the compliant layers jam together to maintain rigid retraction without requiring continuous manual holding. This self-service capability frees surgical team members to perform other tasks, improving overall surgical efficiency while maintaining retraction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical holding system is replaced with a vacuum-based jamming mechanism that provides automatic holding force. The vacuum pressure creates friction between compliant layers that maintains retraction position without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving surgical team productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compliant layers are used for minimally invasive insertion, then incision trauma is reduced, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant layers dynamically transition from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid state during retraction. The layers are initially loose and compliant to minimize incision trauma, then jam together under vacuum to provide the structural rigidity needed for effective retraction, resolving the contradiction between minimizing trauma and providing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor uses composite construction with multiple compliant layers that individually are flexible but collectively provide rigidity when jammed. This composite structure allows minimally invasive insertion while providing sufficient retraction strength, as the layered composition transforms from flexible to rigid through the jamming mechanism.
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 increased visibility during surgery by providing a rigid retraction mechanism that can be introduced through existing trocars without additional incisions, allowing surgeons to operate with both hands and reducing tissue trauma, while maintaining secure contact with anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
The negative pressure pump applies negative pressure to the flexible envelop such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state
Implementation Method 2
The inflatable positive pressure chamber also may receive positive pressure in an amount that increases friction force between the retraction device and an adjacent anatomical structure
Data Source
AI summary
A retraction device, e.g., a programmable stiffness state tissue displacement device, for providing increased visibility during an operation is provided. The device includes one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components connected in parallel, and encapsulated within a flexible envelope such that each of the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components are pneumatically connected. The device further includes a negative pressure pump coupled to the flexible envelope, such that the application of negative pressure to the flexible envelope by the negative pressure pump causes the one or more strips of compliant jammable layer components to jam and thereby transition the retraction device from a malleable state to a rigid state.