Tissue Guard Annular Channel Smoke Evacuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges with restricted access and visualization when removing large tissue specimens, often requiring specimen breakdown and smoke evacuation to clear the operating site.

Innovation Solution

A tissue guard with a proximal lip and annular channel configured to direct surgical gases to a smoke evacuation system, utilizing a Venturi Effect or vortex geometry to enhance gas evacuation, while securing onto a surgical access device with flexible fingers and flanges for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a surgical sleeve and specimen containment bag are used for large tissue specimen removal, then the ability to remove large specimens is improved, but smoke accumulation in the operating site worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to remove large specimensVSAvoidsmoke accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue guard is divided into functional segments: a body for specimen containment, a proximal lip for mounting and smoke direction, and an annular channel for smoke evacuation. This segmentation allows simultaneous specimen containment and smoke management without interfering with each other's functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular channel acts as an intermediary structure between the lumen (where smoke is generated) and the smoke evacuation system. It provides a dedicated pathway for smoke to be channeled away from the operating site, preventing smoke accumulation while maintaining specimen containment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the annular channel has a simple geometry, then the device complexity is reduced, but the evacuation efficiency of surgical gases worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveannular channel geometryVSAvoidevacuation efficiency of surgical gases

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The neck geometry of the annular channel is specifically designed with varied cross-sectional dimensions to induce the Venturi Effect. The narrowing and expansion of the channel creates pressure differentials that enhance smoke evacuation efficiency without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The annular channel utilizes fluid dynamic principles (Venturi Effect) to enhance smoke evacuation. The geometric design creates pressure differentials and flow acceleration that improve gas evacuation efficiency, leveraging pneumatic principles rather than mechanical forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If the proximal lip is designed with engagement features, then the security of mounting on access device is improved, but the ease of insertion worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of mountingVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The proximal lip incorporates flexible fingers that can dynamically adapt during insertion. The fingers are designed to be flexible enough to bend and clear obstacles during insertion, then become rigid once engaged with the access device rim to provide secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The proximal lip has a bulbous, curved configuration that facilitates smooth insertion by allowing it to navigate the access device opening more easily. The curved geometry enables the lip to flex and conform during insertion while still providing secure engagement features when properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Facilitates efficient removal of large tissue specimens by improving access and visualization, effectively evacuating smoke and gases to maintain clear operating conditions, protecting surrounding tissue and equipment from damage.

Implementation Method 1

the geometry of the neck induces a Venturi Effect from the lumen through to the annular channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi Effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the geometry of the neck induces a vortex effect from the lumen through to the annular channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex effect: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentUS11627987B2Low impact cutting guard

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A tissue guard for use with a surgical access device includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and lumen defined therebetween. A proximal lip extends radially from the proximal end and is configured to mount atop a rim of an access device. The proximal lip includes an annular channel defined therein disposed in fluid communication with the lumen, the annular channel configured to direct surgical gases from the lumen to a smoke evacuation system. The annular channel includes a neck defined therein disposed between the lumen and the annular channel, the neck having geometry configured to induce the evacuation of surgical gases or smoke therethrough. One or more fingers extend from the proximal lip and are configured to engage an access device to secure the tissue guard thereon.