Surgical Access Port Triangulation via Worm Gear Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges with direct visualization and instrument dexterity due to lack of triangulation and potential instrument interference when using multiple instruments through a single incision, necessitating improved surgical access devices for precise positioning and spacing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access port with an articulation structure, including a cylindrical housing with lumens and an actuation mechanism such as a worm gear or toothed rack, allows for radial movement and angular displacement of surgical instruments, enabling triangulation and precise positioning of end effectors within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple surgical instruments are inserted through a single incision access device, then the number of incisions is reduced and patient trauma is minimized, but instrument interference increases and triangulation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instruments are made dynamically positionable through the articulation structure, which allows the distal ends to be repositioned relative to the longitudinal axis. The actuation mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of instrument angles and spacing, transforming static instrument positions into dynamically可调 configurations that maintain triangulation capability while passing through a single incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation structure introduces angular displacement as an additional degree of freedom, allowing instruments to be positioned not only along the longitudinal axis but also at various angles thereto. This dimensional expansion enables triangulation by distributing instruments in three-dimensional space rather than constrained to a single linear path through the incision.
2Device complexity
If surgical instruments are held in fixed positions through a single incision, then device complexity is reduced, but triangulation capability is lost and visualization of critical anatomy is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the simple single-incision access device and the requirement for precise triangulated instrument positioning. This intermediate component provides the necessary angular displacement and positioning control without requiring complex external manipulation or multiple incisions.
3Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are spaced apart to achieve triangulation, then visualization and access to critical anatomy is improved, but instrument interference increases when using multiple instruments through a single incision
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing angular displacement as an additional spatial dimension, the articulation structure enables instruments to be spaced apart in three-dimensional space while still passing through a single incision. This angular separation reduces instrument interference by distributing instruments in different directions rather than clustered together, while maintaining triangulation for improved visualization.
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 surgical access port enhances visualization and access to critical anatomy by allowing for effective triangulation and spacing of instruments, reducing interference and improving dexterity during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation structure comprises a worm gear, and two rotating members abutting the worm gear as gear wheels
Implementation Method 2
The actuation structure comprises a toothed rack, and two rotating pinions engaging the toothed rack
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access port and method for achieving triangulation is disclosed, the surgical access port comprising a housing and an articulation structure. The housing is comprised of a cylindrical member having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis. The articulation structure is comprised of at least two lumens, each of the at least two tubular members disposed in a respective lumen, at least two rotating members disposed along each of the at least two tubular members, an actuating member, and a rigid member connecting each rotating member to each tubular member. The tubular members are configured to receive instruments for use in minimally invasive procedures.