Surgical Expansion Device Using Sheet-Type Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with expandable tips, such as inflatable balloons, risk causing trauma due to energy buildup and sudden rupture, and obstruct access to surgical sites with their shape.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device using a sheet-type expansion material with low bending stiffness and high in-plane stiffness, allowing for controlled expansion and minimizing energy storage, featuring elongate members that form a cavity with improved accessibility, and optionally restricted to specific shapes for enhanced access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a balloon type expansion member is used, then the device can be stowed in a small package and provide expansion force, but energy builds up during expansion which may cause severe trauma upon rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the expansion member from elastic balloon material to sheet type material with low bending stiffness and high in-plane stiffness. This parameter change allows the material to expand without storing elastic energy, thereby eliminating the trauma risk upon rupture while maintaining the ability to be stowed in a small package
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining sheet type material with specific stiffness characteristics - low bending stiffness for collapsibility and high in-plane stiffness for stable expansion. This composite material approach enables the device to achieve both compact stowing and safe, energy-free expansion
2Ease of operation
If a balloon shape expansion member is used, then some access to surgical site is improved, but it creates a shielding effect that complicates surgical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the expansion member into multiple elongate members instead of using a single balloon structure. This segmentation allows the expansion member to create an open framework that provides access to the surgical site while reducing the shielding effect, as the segmented structure allows better visualization and access to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional balloon surface to a three-dimensional open framework structure formed by elongate members. This dimensional change creates a spatial configuration that provides both expansion for access and openness for reduced shielding, allowing surgical instruments and vision to pass through the 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 device prevents trauma from inadvertent rupture and provides better access to surgical sites by maintaining structural integrity and creating a stable, open space for surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the expansion means comprises a sheet type material having a relatively low bending stiffness and a relatively high in-plane stiffness
Implementation Method 2
a liquid is used as expansion medium. As is known a liquid is hardly compressible, in any case in comparison to a gas. Thus, upon expanding the device according to the invention, hardly any energy will be stored in the expansion liquid either
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device for application in a treatment performed on the human or animal body with the aim of providing access to a surgical site in the body by exerting a force, upon expansion of the device at the location of the surgical site, on the organs and/or tissues at the surgical site, e.g. for mobilizing and/or supporting organs and/or tissues, the surgical device including an expansion structure, at least one fluid reservoir, and a conduit for conveying fluid from the reservoir to the expansion structure.