Self-Retracting Cord Apparatus for Laparoscopic Organ Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laparoscopic surgical procedures require additional incisions and manual input to move internal organs, increasing surgical costs and patient discomfort due to the need for extra surgical personnel and additional abdominal incisions.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising flexible cord segments with tissue connectors is inserted through the abdominal wall to move and hold a first internal organ away from a second, providing surgical access without further manual input or additional incisions, using cord segments and tissue connectors to engage and secure the organ in place within the abdominal cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If surgical graspers or retracting instruments are used to move internal organs, then surgical access to the second organ is achieved, but additional incisions in the abdominal wall are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessVSAvoidnumber of incisions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of organ retraction and surgical access into a single instrument that is inserted through one incision. The retractor assembly integrates the retraction mechanism with the access pathway, eliminating the need for separate incisions required by traditional graspers or retracting instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor assembly performs multiple functions through a single device: it provides surgical access to the abdominal cavity, retracts the first internal organ to expose the second organ, and maintains this retraction position throughout the procedure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments and incisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional surgical personnel are used to manipulate retracting instruments, then organ retraction is achieved, but surgical costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorgan retractionVSAvoidsurgical personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor assembly is designed to be self-retaining, with a locking mechanism that maintains organ retraction without requiring continuous manual manipulation. Once positioned, the device holds the first internal organ retracted automatically, freeing the surgeon from needing additional personnel to manually maintain retraction throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor assembly is pre-configured with its retraction and locking mechanisms before insertion. The device is designed to automatically engage and maintain retraction position upon insertion, eliminating the need for ongoing manual adjustment and holding by additional surgical personnel during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If surgical graspers are inserted through additional incisions, then organ manipulation is enabled, but patient discomfort and scarring increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorgan manipulationVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines organ manipulation capability with a single access incision. The retractor assembly integrates the manipulation function directly into the access device, allowing the surgeon to manipulate and retract organs through one incision rather than requiring additional incisions for separate grasping instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If manual holding of the first internal organ is required, then surgical access is maintained, but continuous surgical input is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical access maintenanceVSAvoidmanual input requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor assembly incorporates a self-retaining locking mechanism that automatically maintains the retracted position of the first internal organ throughout the surgical procedure. Once the organ is retracted to the desired position, the locking mechanism holds it there without requiring continuous manual input from the surgeon, thereby maintaining surgical access automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retractor assembly features a dynamic locking mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The mechanism allows for initial manual positioning of the organ, then automatically locks to maintain that position, providing a transition from manual to automatic holding that reduces continuous surgical input while maintaining access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8888679B2Apparatus and method for intra-abdominally moving a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ and the holding the first internal organ in the position without manual input

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 FREEHOLD SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.