Trocar-Insertable Suction Retraction System for Organ Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic surgical retractors, such as the LiVac® device, face challenges including high vacuum pressure risks, reliance on a clear surface for retraction, and unsuitability for deployment via a trocar, which can disrupt surgery and lead to seal leaks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a collapsible suction head with a foam insert, a flexible suction tube, and a retraction filament, allowing for controlled suction and retraction of anatomic structures through a trocar, with adjustable positioning and reduced risk of tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional retractors with inflatable balloons are used to avoid damage to the organ being moved, then the organ is protected from damage, but the field of view of the surgeon is blocked due to the large size of the retractor
Solution Approach 1:
The suction head is inserted through the trocar in a compressed state and then expanded to its operational size within the abdominal cavity. This nesting approach allows the retractor to transition from a compact insertable form to a larger functional form that provides adequate retraction while minimizing obstruction to the surgical field
Solution Approach 2:
The suction head utilizes suction pressure applied through the flexible suction tube to secure and retract the anatomic structure. This pneumatic mechanism replaces traditional mechanical retractors with inflatable balloons, providing organ protection and retraction through controlled negative pressure rather than direct mechanical contact
2Force
If high vacuum pressure is applied by the LiVac® device to retract the organ, then the retraction force is sufficient, but the risk of barotrauma to the target tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the pressure parameter by using regulated suction that maintains negative pressure within safe limits. The suction pressure is controlled to provide sufficient retraction force while preventing excessive negative pressure that could cause barotrauma to the target tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The foam insert within the suction head provides localized cushioning at the interface with the anatomic structure. This localized protective quality distributes the suction force and prevents concentrated pressure points that could cause tissue damage
3Ease of operation
If a trocar is used to deploy the LiVac® device, then the deployment path is established, but the surgery is disrupted and seal leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The suction assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it is inserted through the trocar, the trocar is then removed, and the flexible suction tube remains in place to provide continuous suction. This multi-functional design allows the same component to facilitate both deployment and maintain seal integrity after trocar removal
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 system effectively positions anatomic structures without causing injury, maintains a clear surgical site, and allows for adjustable retraction height and tissue location, reducing the risk of barotrauma and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when regulated suction is applied to the suction assembly the anatomic structure is releasably secured to the suction head
Implementation Method 2
a foam insert is located within the cavity of the suction head
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of use for positioning an anatomic structure at a desired position within the body of a patient. The system includes a suction assembly, a suction adapter, and a clip. The suction assembly includes a collapsible suction head, a flexible suction tube, and a retraction filament, all of which are configured for insertion into the body of the patient as a unit through a conventional trocar. The retraction filament is configured to be pulled back out of the patient's body to externalize a portion of the suction tube, whereupon a portion of it can be cut off to produce an open free end. The open free end is configured to be connected via the suction adapter to a source of suction, whereupon regulated suction is applied by the suction head to secure the anatomic structure to it and once that has occurred to elevate the anatomic structure to a desired position. The clip is applied to the externalized portion of the suction tube to hold the suction head with the anatomic structure in place at the desired position.