Split Hoop Wound Retractor for Incremental Incision Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access devices, such as trocars and hand-assisted laparoscopic seals, face challenges in sealing body cavities effectively for a wide range of instrument diameters, particularly when accommodating a surgeon's hand, and lack ease of retraction and stability, leading to cumbersome and inefficient procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wound retractor with a double-tube outer ring and a distensible sleeve, featuring noncompliant split hoops that allow incremental adjustment and secure sealing, enabling easy retraction and alignment to fit various incision sizes while maintaining asepsis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seal pairs are provided to accommodate wider ranges of instrument diameters, then the range of instrument diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic seal mechanism where a single seal structure can adapt to different instrument diameters through controlled expansion and contraction. The seal includes a flexible membrane and a support structure that allows it to dynamically adjust its configuration based on the instrument size, eliminating the need for multiple static seal pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various instrument diameters through its adjustable design. The seal incorporates a expandable support structure and flexible membrane that can function with different instrument sizes, making one seal structure serve multiple functions across different surgical scenarios.
2Reliability
If elaborate seal structures are used to maintain pneumoperitoneum, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is divided into functional segments including a flexible membrane, support structure, and retraction mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall operation. The retraction mechanism can be independently actuated to adjust the seal configuration without affecting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure incorporates self-adjusting features where the flexible membrane and support structure automatically adapt to instrument insertion and removal. The retraction mechanism can be passively activated by instrument manipulation, reducing the need for complex manual operations while maintaining reliable sealing throughout the surgical procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hand-assisted laparoscopic seals are used to accommodate surgeon's hand, then the adaptability to different hand sizes is improved, but the device complexity and cumulative trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure utilizes parameter changes in the flexible membrane and support structure to accommodate different hand sizes. By controlling the expansion and contraction of the support structure, the seal can adapt to various hand diameters and configurations. This parameter-based adjustment eliminates the need for complex mechanical mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.
4Reliability
If multiple valves are provided for instrument seal and zero seal, then the sealing capability for different conditions is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the instrument seal and zero seal functions into a single integrated seal structure. The flexible membrane and support structure work together to provide both sealing functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate valves and mechanisms. This integration simplifies operation while maintaining reliable sealing capability for both instrument insertion and cavity pressurization.
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 wound retractor provides efficient, easy, and secure sealing and retraction of incisions, reducing procedural trauma and infection risk by allowing incremental adjustment and stable sealing across a range of incision sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a distensible sleeve that couples the outer ring to the inner ring
Implementation Method 2
a first substantially noncompliant, split hoop positioned in the lumen of the first circular tube and a second substantially noncompliant, split hoop positioned in the lumen of the second circular tube
Data Source
AI summary
An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes a flexible retraction sheath, an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision attached to the distal end of the retraction sheath, and at least two rows of a plurality of loops disposed around the proximal end of the retraction sheath, each row of loops sized and configured to receive a noncompliant split hoop. The two split hoops may be rolled over each other and around the annular axis to retract the sheath with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.