Surgical Access Adapter With Locking Alignment for Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical access systems face compatibility issues with various navigational arrangements and systems due to size and material incompatibilities, particularly affecting electromagnetic signal interference, which complicates access to brain tissues.

Innovation Solution

An adapter system comprising a body with a positioning member and locking mechanism that securely engages navigational elements with obturators, allowing for multiple compatibility through adjustable channels and locking mechanisms, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional surgical access systems are used, then access to brain abnormalities can be obtained, but compatibility issues with various navigational arrangements and systems occur due to size and material incompatibilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with navigational systemsVSAvoidsystem incompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple navigational elements of different sizes and materials. The channel dimensions and locking mechanism are configured to work with various navigational arrangements, making the surgical access system compatible with diverse navigational systems without requiring separate specialized components for each system type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the surgical access device and different navigational elements. It provides a standardized interface that mediates between the fixed surgical access system and the variable navigational elements, resolving compatibility issues by translating between different navigational element specifications and the surgical access system requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electromagnetic signal interference is minimized, then navigational system integrity is maintained, but this complicates access to brain tissues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigational system integrityVSAvoidaccess to brain tissues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that optimize electromagnetic signal transmission. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate electromagnetic characteristics and configuring the channel dimensions, the adapter maintains navigational system integrity while allowing straightforward access to brain tissues without requiring complex interference mitigation measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is achieved, then surgical precision is enhanced, but this requires complex locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically achieve precise alignment and secure the navigational element within the adapter channel. The mechanism self-adjusts to ensure proper positioning through features such as self-centering geometries or elastic recovery, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps while maintaining high surgical precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3975883B1Adapter for a surgical access device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 STRYKER CORP
  • EP3975883B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3975883B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3975883B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An adapter used with a surgical access assembly is disclosed. The adapter includes an adapter body and a positioning member. The adapter body is defined by a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The positioning member extends from the distal end of the adapter body. A channel extends through the adapter body, extending from the proximal end and toward the distal end.