Multilayered Tortuous Path Seal for Pneumoperitoneum Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access devices fail to effectively maintain pneumoperitoneum during endoscopic procedures, as they lack a reliable mechanism to prevent insufflatory fluid from escaping while allowing for the insertion and removal of surgical instruments without compromising the pressure within the body cavity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access device featuring a multilayered seal with resilient membranes and a tortuous path design, where the membranes dilate to accommodate instruments and return to a sealed position, combined with optional features like ring spacers and fluid-filled gaps to minimize fluid escape, ensuring pneumoperitoneum is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing valve is used in a trocar to prevent insufflatory fluid escape, then pneumoperitoneum is maintained, but the device cannot accommodate multiple instrument insertions and removals without compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple independent segments or layers that can move relative to each other. When an instrument is inserted, only the necessary segments open while others remain sealed, allowing multiple instruments to pass through different segments simultaneously without compromising the overall seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static valve to a dynamic multi-layered structure that adapts its configuration based on instrument presence. The layers can expand, contract, and reposition themselves to accommodate instruments while maintaining the seal when instruments are removed.
2Reliability
If a hand access port seals around the surgeon's hand to prevent fluid escape, then pneumoperitoneum is maintained, but the seal may compromise when the hand moves or adjusts position
Solution Approach 1:
The hand seal is divided into multiple concentric layers that can independently adjust to hand movements. Each layer can move radially and axially to accommodate hand positioning changes while maintaining continuous sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes flexible membrane layers that can deform and conform to the surgeon's hand shape and movements. These thin film structures provide continuous sealing contact while allowing the necessary dexterity for tissue manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If a single-layer seal is used to allow instrument passage, then instrument insertion is simple, but insufflatory fluid can escape through the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal consists of multiple layers stacked concentrically, where each layer provides a separate barrier against fluid escape. Instruments can pass through all layers simultaneously, and the multi-layer construction ensures that fluid containment is maintained even if one layer has minor defects or wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes composite construction with multiple layers potentially made of different materials optimized for specific functions such as friction reduction, sealing contact, and structural support, creating a more reliable and versatile sealing system.
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 effectively prevents insufflatory fluid from escaping, allowing for multiple instrument insertions and removals while maintaining adequate pressure within the body cavity, thereby supporting efficient and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a multilayered seal with resilient membranes and a tortuous path design, where the membranes dilate to accommodate instruments and return to a sealed position
Implementation Method 2
a multilayered seal with resilient membranes and a tortuous path design
Implementation Method 3
combined with optional features like ring spacers and fluid-filled gaps to minimize fluid escape
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access device includes a wound protector and an instrument seal. The instrument seal comprises a plurality of resilient membranes each having a plurality of parallel slits. The membranes are stacked relative one another to create a tortuous path preventing insufflatory gases from escaping through the instrument seal.