Self-Adjusting Perforating Port with Automatic Blade Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device that can safely and quickly treat pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, large pleural effusion, empyema, and chylothorax, especially in emergency settings where less experienced medical personnel may be required, while minimizing the risk of internal organ injury.

Innovation Solution

A self-adjusting, pressure-sensitive port that automatically retracts a perforating blade upon entering a body cavity, featuring a handle member with pressure-sensitive actuation means, a shunt bobbin with an expanding anchor, and a perforating blade that can be moved between operational and retracted positions, allowing for safe insertion and removal without causing additional damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual perforating device is used, then the operator has control over the perforation process, but the risk of internal organ injury increases due to human error and lack of automatic retraction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-protection by automatically retracting the perforating blade upon entering the body cavity. The bias member (spring) automatically engages to pull the blade into the protective position without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating and reducing reliance on operator skill while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses pressure-sensitive feedback through the bias member that detects when the blade has penetrated the body cavity. This feedback mechanism triggers automatic retraction by engaging the spring, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to penetration conditions and prevents over-penetration or organ injury

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the perforating blade remains extended for easy insertion, then insertion speed is improved, but the risk of accidental injury during handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidaccidental injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is pre-positioned in an extended state ready for immediate insertion, but the bias member is pre-loaded with potential energy that automatically activates upon penetration. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment while the automatic retraction mechanism prevents accidental injury during subsequent handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bias member acts as a pre-prepared safety mechanism that cushions against potential harm. By having the retraction force ready and waiting to engage, the system provides beforehand protection against accidental injury while maintaining the blade in a ready-to-insert state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a simple perforating device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to automatically retract and protect against organ injury is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidprotection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the perforating function with the protective retraction function into a single integrated system. The bias member serves dual purposes: it provides the retraction force and simultaneously acts as the activation trigger, combining safety and protection mechanisms without requiring separate complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 port enables safe and quick treatment of various thoracic conditions by allowing for automatic retraction of the perforating blade, reducing the risk of internal organ injury and facilitating easy insertion and removal, thus improving the ability of less experienced personnel to manage emergencies effectively.

Implementation Method 1

A bias member (e.g., spring) is provided for biasing the middle member toward the distal end (i.e., toward the patient)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A self-adjusting, pressure-sensitive port that automatically retracts a perforating blade upon entering a body cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3435898B1Reversibly removable self-adjusting port
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 VIGOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • EP3435898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3435898B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3435898B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a reversibly removable self-adjusting, perforating and/or guiding port configured to automatically retract a perforating blade or guiding rod upon entering a body cavity, while providing a substantially hermetic seal across the body cavity's wall.