Surgical Access Device with Dual Zero-Closure Valves for Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic peritoneum escape (LPE) is a concern in minimally invasive surgeries due to fluid leaks around surgical instruments, potentially contaminating the operating room environment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with dual zero-closure valves and a pressure-controlled valve assembly that maintains a differential pressure to ensure fluid-tight seals, preventing leaks by using insufflation fluid pressures to keep valves in closed or open configurations based on chamber pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single seal is used in the surgical access device, then the device structure is simple, but fluid leaks may occur during instrument insertion and withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical access device divides the sealing function into two separate valves: a first valve in the upper chamber and a second valve in the lower chamber. Each valve independently seals at different locations, creating multiple barriers against fluid leakage during instrument insertion and withdrawal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve acts as an intermediary sealing element between the external environment and the internal chambers, while the second valve provides an additional sealing barrier. This multi-layered approach ensures that even if one valve is compromised, the other maintains seal integrity.
2Reliability
If dual valves are used to prevent fluid leaks, then fluid seal integrity is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valves are designed to automatically respond to pressure changes without external control. When insufflation pressure is applied, the first valve closes automatically to prevent leaks, and the second valve opens to allow fluid flow. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes pressure differential as the controlling parameter for valve operation. By monitoring and responding to pressure changes across the valves, the system automatically adjusts valve states to maintain seal integrity while allowing necessary fluid flow, simplifying the control architecture.
3Extent of automation
If pressure differential is used to control valve operation, then automatic sealing is achieved, but precise pressure control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure differential across the valves provides continuous feedback on the sealing status and fluid flow conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust valve operation in response to changing pressures, ensuring reliable sealing without complex external control systems.
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 device effectively prevents fluid leaks during instrument insertion and withdrawal, maintaining a sealed environment by ensuring valves remain closed or open as needed, thus reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the first pressure may be greater than an ambient pressure of the seal assembly thereby defining a first differential pressure that is capable of urging the first valve towards a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
A valve assembly extends from the upper housing portion and is in fluid communication with the upper chamber. The valve assembly is attachable to a source of insufflation fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device includes a seal assembly, an upper housing portion, a lower housing portion, and a tubular member. The seal assembly has an instrument seal and is coupled to the upper housing portion. A first valve is partially disposed in an upper chamber of the upper housing portion and a second valve is partially disposed in a lower chamber of the lower housing portion. A valve assembly extends from the upper housing portion and is in fluid communication with the upper chamber. A source of insufflation fluid is attachable to the valve assembly.