Removable Adjustable-Length Portal Saver for Low-Trauma Cannula Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cannulas for arthroscopic surgery require large incisions due to aggressive dermal fixation methods, limiting flexibility and instrument compatibility, and lack adjustability, leading to increased procedural time and tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
A portal saver assembly with a removably attached dermal fixation device and a length-adjustable tubular body, utilizing thermoplastic urethane for flexibility and a locking mechanism for secure attachment, allowing for adjustable length and minimally invasive insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aggressive threads are used on the cannula to fixate into dermal layer, then secure fixation is achieved, but large incision and tissue trauma occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a dermal fixation device that remains embedded in the tissue, and a portal saver that can be removed independently. This segmentation allows the fixation element to secure the device without requiring continuous aggressive threading, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining fixation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal saver is extracted as a removable component from the fixed dermal fixation device. This extraction allows the portal saver to be removed after the initial procedure, eliminating the need for permanent aggressive fixation structures and reducing long-term tissue trauma while maintaining secure fixation during the procedure.
2Device complexity
If conventional cannulas with fixed length are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but procedural time increases due to frequent access tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The portal saver incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the cannula length during the procedure. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to remove and replace entire access tools when length changes are needed, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through a telescoping or adjustable design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stiff tube-like cannulas are used, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility and instrument compatibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The portal saver employs a segmented construction where different sections have different mechanical properties. The proximal portion maintains stiffness for stable fixation and control, while the distal portion incorporates flexibility to accommodate various instruments and adapt to anatomical variations. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall stability and local adaptability.
4Reliability
If portal saver is attached to dermal fixation during insertion, then fixation is secured, but distal end movement poses risk to deep structures
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the fixation function from the portal maintenance function by using a removable portal saver attached to a fixed dermal fixation device. This segmentation allows the portal saver to be independently positioned and adjusted without moving the fixed dermal anchor, thereby securing fixation while eliminating the risk of distal end movement affecting deep structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A portal saver assembly with a dermal fixation device that is removably attached to a length-adjustable portal saver. The portal saver assembly includes a tubular body having a rigid proximal end with threads and a proximal adjustment body having an outer ridge and an inner bore with threads. The threads on the rigid proximal end of the tubular body are configured to mate with the threads on the inner bore of the proximal adjustment body. The portal saver assembly also includes a dermal fixation device with a central bore and a locking mechanism around the central bore. The outer ridge of the proximal adjustment body is removably attached to within the central bore by the locking mechanism.