Surgical Access Device Angular Sealing Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic procedures face challenges with mini-laparoscopy due to instrument fragility, limited suction-irrigation systems, poor video quality, and the 'chopstick effect' caused by multiple instruments inserted through the umbilicus, restricting surgeon maneuverability and increasing wound complications.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device featuring a retractor with multiple off-axis sealing ports that allow for variable angular insertion of instruments, a flexible housing with rotatable and pivotable sealing ports, and a flexible shield to protect tissue from instrument damage, enabling instruments to be inserted at different angles and orientations without compromising insufflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple standard cannulas and instruments are placed in the umbilicus next to each other, then surgical access is provided, but a 'chopstick effect' occurs that creates interference between hands and instruments, reducing surgeon maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation as a new dimension for instrument insertion. Instead of placing all instruments parallel to each other through a single incision, the device allows instruments to be inserted at different angles (e.g., 30, 45, 60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the retractor. This spatial differentiation in the angular dimension eliminates the 'chopstick effect' by distributing instruments in three-dimensional space rather than confining them to a single linear pathway, thereby improving surgeon maneuverability while maintaining single-incision access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mini-laparoscopy is performed with 2-3 mm diameter trocar sleeves, then abdominal wall trauma is reduced and cosmesis is improved, but instrument fragility increases and performance limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible retractor made of elastomeric material that can dynamically adapt to patient anatomy and instrument insertion forces. The flexibility allows the device to bend and conform without rigid structural failure, while the elastomeric properties provide resilience against damage from sharp surgical instruments. This dynamic flexibility-maintained-structural-integrity approach enables the use of smaller, less traumatic trocar sleeves while preserving overall system reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single incision in the navel is used, then cosmetic outcome is improved and wound complications are reduced, but the ability to insert multiple instruments without interference is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single incision access into multiple angular pathways. The retractor features multiple sealing ports oriented at different angles (e.g., 0, 30, 45, 60 degrees), allowing each instrument to have its own dedicated angular channel through the same incision site. This segmentation of the single incision into multiple angular sub-pathways maintains the cosmetic and wound-healing benefits of a single incision while providing the versatility needed to insert and maneuver multiple instruments independently without the 'chopstick effect'
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.