Self-Contained Trocar for Laparoscopic Port Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing larger laparoscopic port sites are cumbersome, time-consuming, and pose risks for surgeons, with existing devices being complex and expensive, and often resulting in ineffective closure, particularly in patients with thick abdominal walls.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained trocar with flexible needles and anchors, integrated within a cannula, that allows for easy deployment and retraction of sutures to close the port site without the need for additional cannulae, using a handle with needle drivers and a suture spool for efficient closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specially-adapted cannula with needles and suture material is used for port closure, then port closure function is achieved, but the cannula becomes thicker and more complex, and must be left in place or requires withdrawal and reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the suture material and needle from the cannula structure, placing them instead within the obturator. This allows the cannula to remain simple and thin-walled while the closure components are contained separately in the obturator, resolving the contradiction between closure effectiveness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture material and needle are nested within the obturator structure, which itself is inserted through the cannula. This nested arrangement allows all closure components to be contained within the existing cannula-obturator system without requiring a specially-adapted cannula, maintaining cannula simplicity while achieving reliable closure.
2Reliability
If a specially-adapted cannula is used for port closure, then closure function is achieved, but additional tissue damage occurs due to withdrawal and reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The suture material and needle are pre-positioned within the obturator before insertion through the cannula. This preliminary arrangement allows the closure components to be deployed in a single continuous motion without requiring withdrawal of the cannula and reinsertion of a different device, eliminating additional tissue damage.
3Reliability
If needle-nosed forceps and attached suture needle are used for port closure, then closure can be performed, but the procedure is time-consuming and places surgeon at risk for needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the needle, suture material, and deployment mechanism into a single integrated obturator structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual manipulation of needle-nosed forceps and suture needle, allowing closure to be performed as a single rapid action that reduces both time and needle stick risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator is designed to automatically deploy the needle and suture material through its own structure during insertion or manipulation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually handle separate needle and suture components, reducing procedure time and eliminating needle stick risks associated with manual manipulation.
4Reliability
If current standard closure methods are used, then port closure can be achieved, but closure is ineffective in patients with thick abdominal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the deployment parameters of the suture and needle by utilizing the obturator's structure to deliver them at appropriate depths and angles. The obturator can be inserted to the required depth through thick abdominal walls, and the needle can be deployed at the correct fascial level regardless of wall thickness, making the closure effective across varying patient anatomies.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained, port-closing trocar and method of use which may include an elongated body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side wall between the first end and the second end, the body further including at least two channels therein, each of the channels originating near the second end, running parallel to the elongated body, and curving towards and forming an opening in the side wall near the first end. The self-closing trocar may also include at least two needles, each disposed within one of the at least two channels, and a handle insertable into the second end of the elongated body, the handle having at least two needle drivers coupled thereto, each needle driver being insertable into one of the at least two channels and engagable with an end of a needle.