Surgical Access Assembly with Radiused Tip and Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical techniques for accessing brain tissue are invasive and cause trauma due to blunt or sharp distal ends of surgical instruments, leading to deformation and damage of delicate tissues, and lack effective visibility during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access assembly with a hollow outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator featuring a radiused distal tip and integrated imaging mechanisms for real-time visualization of brain structures, minimizing tissue trauma and improving visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If blunt or sharp distal ends of surgical instruments are used to access brain tissue, then access to the target tissue is achieved, but trauma and deformation of delicate tissues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to brain tissueVSAvoidtissue trauma and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The obturator features a radiused distal tip instead of a blunt or sharp end, creating a curved surface that distributes mechanical stress during insertion. This curved geometry allows the instrument to penetrate or displace delicate brain tissue with reduced focal pressure, minimizing trauma and deformation while maintaining effective access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The distal tip geometry is specifically engineered with a radiused surface having controlled curvature radius and surface area parameters. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the instrument achieves optimal balance between penetration efficiency and tissue stress distribution, reducing harmful focal pressures while maintaining operational effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional surgical techniques are used without imaging, then surgical procedures can be performed, but visibility and awareness of surrounding brain structures are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure performanceVSAvoidvisibility of brain structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical access system integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: the outer sheath provides structural access, the obturator enables tissue penetration with reduced trauma, and imaging mechanisms (such as ultrasound transducers or optical sensors) are incorporated to provide real-time visualization of surrounding brain structures. This merging of access and visualization functions eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment and enables informed surgical decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated imaging mechanisms provide real-time feedback during the surgical procedure, allowing the surgeon to visualize the position of the instrument relative to critical brain structures. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of the surgical approach, improving safety and effectiveness while maintaining procedural efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11412923B2Surgical access assembly and method of using same

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.