Surgical Access Device Removable Outflow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical devices for accessing the uterus, such as hysteroscopes, often cause discomfort, injury, and trauma due to their large cross-sectional profile and the need for separate inflow and outflow channels, which can lead to cervical stenosis and pain during procedures like hysteroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access system with a combined working channel for simultaneous inflow and outflow of fluid, allowing for a smaller cross-sectional profile and reduced trauma, featuring a removable outflow channel that integrates with the access device to minimize patient discomfort and facilitate tissue removal without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inflow and outflow channels are used in conventional hysteroscopes, then fluid flow function is improved, but device cross-sectional profile increases causing cervical stenosis and patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate inflow and outflow channels into a single integrated working channel. The access device includes a working channel that receives both an inflow channel for introducing fluid into the body and an outflow channel for removing fluid from the body, allowing simultaneous bidirectional fluid flow through one channel rather than requiring multiple separate channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inflow channel and outflow channel are positioned concentrically within the working channel. The outflow channel is received within the working channel, and the inflow channel is positioned within the outflow channel, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization while maintaining separate fluid pathways.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for inflow and outflow, then fluid management is improved, but device complexity and procedural trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access device provides multi-functionality by integrating multiple channels and capabilities into a single device. The working channel simultaneously accommodates inflow and outflow functions, and can also receive various surgical instruments for tissue removal, making the device universal for both fluid management and surgical intervention through a single access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate inflow devices, outflow devices, and surgical instrument delivery systems into a single integrated access device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices required while maintaining all necessary functions for fluid management and tissue removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger cross-sectional profile devices are used, then more instruments can be accommodated, but patient trauma and healing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested channel arrangement allows multiple functional channels to be accommodated within a smaller overall device profile. By positioning channels concentrically, the device maintains the capacity to accommodate various surgical instruments while keeping the external cross-sectional profile small enough to minimize trauma to body orifices and surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of channels to a three-dimensional nested configuration. This dimensional change allows efficient use of internal space, enabling multiple channels and instrument pathways to coexist within a compact external profile, thereby accommodating diverse instruments without increasing the device's external dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device can comprise a working channel providing a first lumen having an axial opening for insertion of a surgical instrument having an outflow channel, the first lumen having a fluid inlet for allowing fluid flow through the working channel and into the body, wherein fluid flows out of the body through the outflow channel of the surgical instrument; and a optical channel providing a second lumen for a visualization element and a light source, wherein the working channel comprises a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the optical channel. The surgical access device can further comprise a seal apparatus coupled to the working channel and configured to receive the surgical instrument, the seal apparatus comprising a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the first seal portion configured to close the fluid path into the seal apparatus, and the second seal portion configured to form a seal with the surgical instrument.