Expandable Retraction Balloon for Single Port Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In single port entry medical procedures, retracting extraneous tissue is challenging due to limited access and leverage issues with conventional retractors, especially when additional tools cannot fit through the small port and reach the tissue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a balloon and expandable retractor is used, where the balloon expands to lock the retractor in place, allowing for tissue retraction and securing the entry port, even after the balloon is deflated, enabling effective retraction and stabilization during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate retractor tool is used, then tissue retraction capability is improved, but device complexity and port requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor is integrated into the surgical instrument by disposing it around the elongated structure, allowing both surgical tools and retraction function to be combined in a single instrument that enters through one port
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deploy surgical tools through its lumens and simultaneously provide tissue retraction through the expandable retractor disposed around the elongated structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the port diameter is limited, then minimally invasive benefits are improved, but retractor reach and leverage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retractor transitions from a collapsed low-profile state during port insertion to an expanded state at the distal end, utilizing the dimensional change to achieve sufficient reach and leverage at the surgical site while maintaining minimal port size
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are added to the surgical instrument, then functional versatility is improved, but maximum diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple surgical tools are inserted through separate lumens within the elongated structure, allowing multiple functional tools to be nested within the single instrument without significantly increasing its outer diameter
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
This solution allows for efficient retraction of extraneous tissue and secure port access without the need for additional robotic arms, enhancing procedural accessibility and stability, even in confined single port entry scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable retractor is expanded and locks in an expanded configuration when the balloon is expanded to sufficient volume
Data Source
AI summary
A single port entry surgical instrument has an elongated structure with lumens through which surgical tools and an image capturing device may be inserted and controllably extended out of its distal end for performing a medical procedure, a tubular-shaped balloon disposed around the elongated structure, and an expandable retractor disposed around the balloon so that when the balloon is inflated, the retractor expands and locks in an expanded configuration to retract extraneous tissue. The port entry may be secured using the expandable retractor or sealed using another inflatable balloon disposed around the proximal end of the elongated structure and centered in the port entry.