Trocar-Cannula Propulsion System with Oblique Entry Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic surgical procedures face challenges in achieving consistent patient outcomes and recovery times due to variations in surgical techniques, instrument quality, and manufacturing variances, particularly in controlling the optimal insertion angle and wound geometry of trocars and cannulas during procedures like vitrectomies and membranectomies.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device featuring a trocar-cannula assembly with a propulsion system and positioning member that allows for precise axial drive and oblique entry angle orientation, minimizing tissue strain and trauma by controlling the stroke length and force of the trocar-cannula assembly, thereby facilitating consistent wound geometries and incision entry angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual insertion methods are used, then surgeon flexibility is maintained, but insertion angle consistency and wound geometry precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is pre-configured with a contoured engagement surface that automatically orients the trocar-cannula assembly at the predetermined oblique entry angle when engaged with the eye tissue. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual angle adjustment during insertion, ensuring consistent insertion angles while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If variable surgical techniques are used, then surgeon adaptability is maintained, but patient outcome consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the final insertion geometry. By providing a contoured engagement surface that physically guides the trocar-cannula assembly, it mediates between variable surgical techniques and consistent patient outcomes, ensuring that regardless of how the surgeon applies force, the insertion angle remains predetermined and consistent.
3Speed
If uncontrolled propulsion force is applied, then insertion speed increases, but tissue trauma and intraocular pressure fluctuations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is designed to be triggered only after the positioning member is properly engaged with the eye tissue. This dynamic sequencing ensures that the trocar-cannula assembly is securely positioned before propulsion begins, allowing controlled insertion speed that minimizes tissue trauma and intraocular pressure fluctuations while maintaining efficient insertion timing.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise stroke length control is implemented, then wound geometry consistency improves, but propulsion system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is designed to automatically propel the trocar-cannula assembly a precise distance sufficient to insert the assembly through the eye tissue without requiring external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the stroke length based on the engagement of the positioning member with the tissue, achieving consistent wound geometry through self-contained propulsion control rather than complex external regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical devices and methods of using the surgical devices are disclosed. The surgical devices generally include a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.