Surgical Access Seal Assembly With Segmented Hinged Seal Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical access assemblies face challenges in providing robust seals that can accommodate a wide range of surgical instrumentation sizes and withstand multiple insertions while protecting against damage from sharp edges.
Innovation Solution
The access assembly features a seal assembly with a support member and multiple seal sections, each with a tapered inner edge and connected by living hinges, forming a hexagonal ring, which overlaps in a sequential pattern to provide a non-continuous seal circumference, secured by a retainer assembly for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust seal is used to withstand multiple insertions and protect against sharp edges, then seal durability is improved, but the seal assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple discrete seal sections (first seal section, second seal section, third seal section, fourth seal section, fifth seal section, and sixth seal section) that can independently deflect and accommodate instruments of varying sizes and shapes. Each seal section is connected to the support member and can move relative to adjacent sections, allowing the seal to adapt to different surgical instruments while maintaining durability against sharp edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal sections are designed with dynamic flexibility to deflect radially inward when an instrument is inserted, then return to their original position when the instrument is removed. This dynamic behavior allows the seal to repeatedly withstand instrument insertions and withdrawals while protecting against damage from sharp edges, thereby improving seal durability without requiring a overly complex rigid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seal sections are used to accommodate multiple instrument sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into six separate seal sections that can independently deflect and conform to instruments of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. This segmentation allows the seal to adapt to a broad range of surgical instrumentation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each section follows a similar design pattern and connects to the support member in a consistent manner.
Solution Approach 2:
Each seal section is designed with specific local properties (such as tapered inner edges and radial deflection capability) that enable it to adapt to instruments of varying sizes. The local quality of each section allows it to independently respond to the presence and characteristics of an inserted instrument, providing overall adaptability without requiring complex coordination between sections.
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 design enhances seal durability, reducing the likelihood of tearing during instrument insertion, manipulation, and withdrawal, ensuring a sealed passage for surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
Each seal section of the plurality of seal sections is connected to the ring portion by a living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes a support member including a ring portion and a seal portion disposed within the ring portion. The seal assembly further includes a plurality of seal sections extending from the ring portion of the support member. The support member and the plurality of seal sections are integrally formed.