Retrograde Cannula Anchoring for Stable Gastric Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endoscopy and laparoscopy, face limitations in providing simultaneous intraluminal and extraluminal access to the gastric environment, with risks of infection and complications due to the need for multiple incisions and unstable trocar placement.

Innovation Solution

A trans-abdominal gastric surgical system featuring a uniquely designed cannula with internal and external anchors for secure positioning through the abdominal wall, allowing retrograde introduction and secure anchoring within the gastric or peritoneal space, enabling reliable and versatile access for both intraluminal and extraluminal procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trocar is inserted through the abdominal wall using standard laparoscopic technique, then access to the gastric lumen is achieved, but multiple incisions are required and the procedure becomes complex with increased risk of infection and complications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess reliabilityVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by introducing the cannula retrograde from the gastric lumen through the abdominal wall to the external surface, rather than the conventional forward insertion through multiple incisions. This single-step retrograde insertion eliminates the need for multiple incisions and complex suturing procedures while maintaining reliable access to the gastric lumen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a trocar is inserted through the abdominal wall, then instrument access is provided, but the peritoneal membrane must be actively punctured resulting in increased risk of infection or other complications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument accessVSAvoidinfection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retrograde insertion approach reverses the insertion direction, allowing the cannula to be pulled through the abdominal wall from the gastric lumen rather than pushed through from the external surface. This inversion reduces the risk of peritoneal membrane puncture and associated infection risks while maintaining ease of instrument access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a trocar is inserted to provide stable access, then working channel is established, but it can be difficult to reliably secure the trocar or other cannula-type element for extended periods of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess stabilityVSAvoidsecuring duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an anchor mechanism at the distal end of the cannula that is deployed in advance within the gastric lumen to secure the cannula before extended use. This preliminary anchoring action ensures stable positioning for the duration of the procedure, eliminating the difficulty of securing the cannula for extended periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple endoscopes are used to provide simultaneous access, then intraluminal ability is enhanced, but it can be difficult to reliably control and position multiple endoscopes to specific locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous access capabilityVSAvoidpositioning control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal platform through the retrograde cannula that can accommodate multiple different medical instruments and endoscopes simultaneously. The single cannula entry point serves as a common platform for various instruments, maintaining the ability to provide simultaneous access while simplifying control and positioning compared to managing multiple separate endoscopic approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3223728B1Transabdominal gastric device
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 ENDO TAGSS LLC
  • EP3223728B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3223728B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3223728B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1F

AI summary

Provided herein are trans-abdominal gastric systems and related methods that are useful in a range of applications for accessing internal regions of a patient. A cannula has internal and external anchors to reliably secure the anchor to an abdominal wall of the patient. An introducer with a capture element facilitates system placement by retrograde introduction. Upon completion, the system is removed and the abdominal wall incision closed by sutures specially connected to the system that ensures reliably removal and suture closure in a configuration that is outside the abdominal wall. The systems and methods are particularly suited for use with conventional laparoscopic or endoscopic medical instruments.