Surgical Device With Flaring Wings for Trocar Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction and irrigation systems in laparoscopic surgery face issues with tubing collapse due to external compression, leading to interrupted suction, and insufflation gas leakage through trocar incisions, which complicates surgical procedures and increases recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with integral outwardly flaring elongate wings that define a channel to receive a laparoscopic trocar, minimizing gaps and sealing leaks, and a connector system for tubing that reduces compression and maintains suction efficiency, allowing for simultaneous suction and irrigation without displacing other instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible tubing is used to pass through the incision for vacuum retraction, then the tubing can be inserted through small incisions, but the tubing is prone to compression, angulation or bending which interrupts suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or film structure that can conform to the incision site while maintaining a patent lumen for suction. This flexible barrier allows the tubing to pass through without being compressed or angulated, as the membrane adapts to the surrounding tissues while preserving the suction pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (such as a protective sheath or reinforced conduit) between the tubing and the compressive forces from surrounding tissues. This intermediary element shields the tubing from external compression and angulation, allowing continuous suction while passing through small incisions.
2Ease of operation
If the incision is made large enough to accommodate the trocar and retractor system tubing, then the tubing can pass freely, but insufflation gas leaks from the body cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that creates a seal around the tubing at the incision site. This membrane conformally fits around the tubing while blocking the passage of insufflation gas, allowing the tubing to pass through a small incision without creating gaps for gas leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric sealing structure where the sealing surface is shaped to match the specific geometry of the tubing and incision. This asymmetric design creates an optimal seal that prevents gas leakage while accommodating the tubing, rather than using a symmetric configuration that would leave gaps.
3Reliability
If conventional screw-in or click in rigid tubing is used to attach to the handpiece controller, then the connection is secure, but additional steps are required which increase time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the attachment mechanism directly into the handpiece controller or tubing interface, combining the connection function with the existing structure. This merged design eliminates separate attachment steps while maintaining secure connection through features such as bayonet couplings, snap-fit mechanisms, or integrated locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-formed connection features (such as pre-assembled adapters, pre-positioned locking elements, or pre-configured interfaces) that are prepared in advance. This preliminary action allows the tubing to be attached quickly without requiring multiple steps during the surgical procedure, as the connection mechanism is already ready for immediate engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a surgical device comprising: an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body comprising an abutment portion comprising a pair of integral outwardly flaring elongate wings which between them define a channel adapted for receiving a longitudinally adjacent trocar; and attachment means capable of attaching the elongate body to tubing. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the device of the invention, methods for inserting the device of the invention into an incision in a patient, and methods for delivering suction or fluid to an internally located apparatus using the device of the invention.