Reflective Cannula Flange for Arthroscopic Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopic surgical procedures face challenges in visualizing all areas of a surgical site due to limited access and maneuverability of instruments within enclosed spaces, leading to obscured views and increased complexity in procedures like labral repair.
Innovation Solution
A cannula with reflective surfaces, allowing improved visibility by directing an imaging device to reflect images of the surgical site, enabling visualization of areas otherwise inaccessible, with adjustable flange configurations and flexible materials for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If standard imaging devices are used in arthroscopic procedures, then the surgical site can be visualized through direct line-of-sight, but areas that are not directly accessible remain obscured and cannot be viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula with reflective flange acts as an intermediary optical element between the imaging device and the obscured surgical site. Light from obscured areas reflects off the flange surface into the imaging device, enabling indirect visualization without requiring direct line-of-sight access to all areas
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective flange extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula, creating a new viewing dimension. This allows the imaging device to capture images from angles that would otherwise be inaccessible through the portal, effectively adding a lateral viewing dimension to the procedure
2Loss of information
If the cannula includes a reflective flange member extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then obscured areas of the surgical site become visible through reflection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective flange is integrated directly into the cannula structure, merging the imaging assistance function with the access device. This combination eliminates the need for separate imaging components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to visualize obscured areas
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula's own flange structure serves the dual purpose of providing structural support for portal access and simultaneously acting as the reflective surface for imaging. The device serves itself by using its existing structural elements for the additional imaging function, avoiding the need for separate dedicated imaging components
3Ease of operation
If the flange member is made flexible, then the cannula can be maneuvered more easily through portals and adjusted to optimal angles, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange member's material properties are optimized to exhibit flexibility within a specific range, allowing bending and angle adjustment during insertion and positioning, while maintaining sufficient structural stability to maintain its reflective surface integrity and portal-sealing function when in use
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 cannula with reflective surfaces enhances surgical site visibility, simplifies procedures by allowing visualization of obscured areas, reducing procedural complexity and trauma, and facilitating precise instrument placement.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the first surface is reflective
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for providing a surgeon with improved viewing angles during arthroscopic surgical procedures are provided. In some embodiments, a cannula is provided that includes an elongate body that can extend along a longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the body between openings at the proximal and distal ends. The cannula can have a first flange member that can extend at least partially around at least one of the openings, and the first flange member can have a distal-facing surface, where at least a portion of the distal-facing surface can be reflective.