Surgical Access Device Protective Sleeve for Inflatable Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical devices face challenges in protecting inflatable members from tearing or premature inflation during insertion through the working channel and tissue, leading to delays and improper fitting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device with a protective sleeve that covers the inflatable member during insertion, preventing tearing and premature inflation, and allows controlled inflation to expand the tissue opening for instrument access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inflatable member is inserted through the working channel and tissue without protection, then the insertion process is simple, but the inflatable member may be torn or prematurely inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is nested within the protective sleeve, with the sleeve acting as a protective container that shields the inflatable member during insertion through the working channel and tissue. This nesting arrangement protects the inflatable member from tearing and premature inflation while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve serves as an intermediary component between the inflatable member and the external environment (working channel and tissue). The sleeve mediates the interaction by providing physical protection and controlling the inflation process, preventing direct contact between the inflatable member and potential sources of damage.
2Reliability
If the inflatable member is protected during insertion, then damage to the inflatable member is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is constructed from a flexible material that can be easily inserted through the working channel and tissue while providing adequate protection. The flexible nature of the sleeve allows it to conform to the insertion path without adding significant complexity to the device structure.
3Loss of time
If the inflatable member is prematurely inflated, then the inflation process is accelerated, but the fitting becomes improper and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is positioned on the inflatable member before insertion, preparing the system in advance to prevent premature inflation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the inflatable member remains in the correct state during insertion and only inflates at the appropriate time, ensuring proper fitting.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective sleeve is used to cover the inflatable member, then tearing and premature inflation are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is segmented into distinct functional components: the protective sleeve, the inflatable member, and the access device body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the sleeve providing protection against tearing and premature inflation without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
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 protective sleeve minimizes damage to the inflatable member and ensures proper inflation, facilitating safe and effective creation of a surgical space for endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable member, such as a medical balloon, for example, may be positioned in the opening and then inflated to enlarge the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device comprises a conduit comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. An inflatable member at least partially surrounds a portion of the conduit and is positioned proximate to the distal portion of the conduit. In various embodiments, a protective sleeve can at least partially surround a portion of the conduit and is movable between at least a first position and a second position. In at least one embodiment, the protective sleeve is configured to at least partially cover the inflatable member when in the first position and is configured to expose the inflatable member when in the second position.