Trocar-Cannula Insertion with Triggered Propulsion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ophthalmic surgical procedures face variability in patient outcomes and recovery times due to differences in surgical technique, instrument quality, and manufacturing variations, leading to inconsistent wound geometries and increased strain on eye tissue during trocar-cannula insertion.

Innovation Solution

A surgical device with a triggered propulsion system and positioning member that drives the trocar-cannula assembly at a predetermined oblique entry angle, providing consistent wound geometries and reducing tissue strain by controlling the insertion force and velocity, and stopping the assembly prior to tissue contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual insertion methods are used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but wound geometry consistency and tissue strain control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound geometry consistencyVSAvoidinsertion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is configured in advance with a predetermined oblique entry angle that automatically orients the trocar-cannula assembly during insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures consistent wound geometry without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member acts as an intermediary element between the surgeon's hand and the trocar-cannula assembly. It mediates the insertion process by providing a predetermined oblique entry angle through its contoured engagement surface, achieving consistent wound geometry while maintaining surgical flexibility and avoiding complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If high insertion force is applied, then insertion speed increases, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion system is pre-configured with a controlled stroke length that limits the maximum insertion force and velocity. By predetermined the stroke length, the system achieves consistent insertion speed while preventing excessive force that would cause tissue trauma, resolving the contradiction between speed and tissue safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion system dynamically controls insertion parameters including force, velocity, and stroke length. By adjusting these parameters within optimized ranges, the system achieves high insertion speed while maintaining tissue trauma below harmful thresholds, resolving the contradiction between speed and tissue safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable surgical techniques are used, then adaptability to different cases is improved, but outcome consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical technique variabilityVSAvoidpatient outcome consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member with its predetermined oblique entry angle provides a universal geometric solution that works across different surgical cases. This standardized angular configuration ensures consistent wound geometry and patient outcomes while maintaining adaptability through the contoured engagement surface that accommodates variations in eye anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system standardizes critical insertion parameters including entry angle, insertion depth (stroke length), and velocity. By controlling these parameters within optimized ranges, the system achieves consistent patient outcomes across variable surgical techniques and cases, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If precise insertion control is implemented, then wound geometry consistency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound geometry consistencyVSAvoidpropulsion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning member is pre-configured with a predetermined oblique entry angle that automatically orients the trocar-cannula assembly during insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures consistent wound geometry without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning member's contoured engagement surface self-orients the trocar-cannula assembly at the predetermined oblique entry angle during insertion. This self-servicing mechanism achieves precise wound geometry control without requiring complex external control systems, resolving the contradiction between precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10485577B2Surgical device with triggered propulsion system for inserting a trocar-cannula assembly

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SYNERGETICS USA INC

AI summary

A surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device includes 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.