Rotating Multiport End Cap for Single Incision Surgical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access devices for minimally invasive procedures often require multiple small incisions and lack flexibility in port sizes, which can limit instrument introduction and access during laparoscopic and trans-anal minimally invasive surgeries, necessitating the development of a single incision access device with multiple ports of varying sizes for improved surgical access.
Innovation Solution
A multiport end cap with separate access ports that can rotate axially and form mechanical seals, featuring flexible tabs and an elastomeric seal ring for secure sealing during rotation, allowing for the introduction of surgical instruments through a single incision and accommodating different port sizes for various surgical instruments and procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple small incisions are used for surgical access, then access precision is improved, but the number of incisions and surgical trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple access ports (first port, second port, third port) into a single integrated access device that can be inserted through one incision. This merging of multiple separate access points into one unified structure allows precise access to multiple body cavities through a single surgical entry point, reducing the number of incisions while maintaining access precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an insufflation device and a multi-port access device. The single incision access device can perform multiple surgical functions (insufflation, instrument access, specimen removal) through one insertion point, eliminating the need for separate incisions for each function and reducing overall surgical trauma.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical seals are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and insertion difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional mechanical seal component entirely from the access device structure. Instead of using complex mechanical sealing mechanisms, the design relies on the flexibility of the access device itself and the surrounding tissue to maintain sealing, thereby eliminating device complexity while preserving sealing reliability through a simpler, more elegant approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties and flexibility parameters of the access device to enable it to function as its own seal. By adjusting the flexibility and elastic properties of the access device components, it can deform to conform to tissue surfaces and maintain seals without requiring separate mechanical sealing structures, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed port sizes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different instruments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the port sizes, allowing the access device to adapt to different instrument requirements during surgery. The ports can be adjusted from fixed dimensions to variable dimensions, enabling the same access device to accommodate various surgical instruments with different size requirements. This dynamic capability is achieved through expandable or adjustable port structures that can be modified during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device is segmented into modular components with independently adjustable ports. Each port can be separately sized and configured to match the specific instrument being used, while the overall device structure remains unified. This segmentation allows for flexible customization of individual port sizes without complicating the entire device manufacturing process, as each modular section can be independently adjusted during surgery.
4Loss of time
If single incision access is used, then recovery time is improved, but access versatility for different procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single incision access device is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle various surgical procedures through one access point. It can serve as an insufflation device for creating pneumoperitoneum, provide multiple ports for instrument insertion, and facilitate specimen removal. This universal design maintains access versatility across different surgical tasks while preserving the benefits of single incision access, including reduced recovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The access device incorporates dynamic adjustability that allows it to adapt to different surgical needs during a procedure. The ports can be adjusted in size and configuration based on the specific instruments being used, enabling the same single incision access device to support versatile surgical operations. This dynamic capability ensures that the device maintains versatility despite the single incision approach, eliminating the need for multiple incisions in different procedures.
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 solution provides flexible and secure access for surgical instruments through a single incision, enabling efficient and versatile minimally invasive procedures with reduced trauma and recovery time, while maintaining effective gas sealing during instrument insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The access device includes an elastomeric seal ring that forms a seal between the end cap and the bottom body
Implementation Method 2
The end cap includes at least one flexible tab with distal teeth thereon configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the bottom body to selectively permit or prevent relative axial rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An access device for surgical procedures includes a multiport end cap including a plurality of separate access ports for accommodating introduction of individual surgical instruments into the body of a patient. The access ports extend in a proximal direction. The end cap includes a distally extending seal ring. A bottom body has a distally extending tubular body with an access channel defined therethrough for accommodating surgical instruments from the access ports into the body of a patient. The bottom body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth, wherein the seal ring of the end cap is received inside and seals against a proximal rim of the bottom body. The end cap includes at least one flexible tab with distal teeth thereon configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the bottom body to selectively permit or prevent relative axial rotation of the multiport end cap.