Trocar with Measuring Sheath for Tracheoesophageal Puncture Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming and measuring tracheoesophageal punctures require separate devices for dilation and sizing, which can be invasive and require multiple insertions, making it challenging to determine the proper length of a voice prosthesis for effective voice restoration post-laryngectomy.
Innovation Solution
A catheter and trocar device assembly that includes a hollow voice prosthesis tubing for inserting and sizing a voice prosthesis, and a trocar with a sharply pointed shaft and measuring indicia on an elongated sheath for measuring the puncture length, allowing for a single insertion and precise measurement of the puncture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate dilator and sizer devices are used, then the puncture can be dilated and sized, but multiple insertions are required which increases invasiveness and procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dilator and sizer functions into a single integrated device. The measuring device includes a shaft with measuring indicia that can be inserted through the puncture site, allowing both dilation and measurement to be performed during one insertion procedure, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed and minimizing procedural invasiveness
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used for dilation and sizing, then each function can be performed, but the procedural time and number of insertions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device integrates multiple functions (dilation and measurement) into a single instrument that can be inserted once through the puncture site. The shaft contains measuring indicia that allow the practitioner to determine puncture dimensions during the same procedure, eliminating the need for separate dilator and sizer insertions, thereby reducing both procedural steps and total time required
3Productivity
If a single integrated device is used, then the number of insertions is reduced, but the device must perform multiple functions which increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed as a multi-functional instrument where the shaft serves both as a dilating element and as a measuring tool. The shaft includes measuring indicia (such as markings or scales) that allow measurement of puncture dimensions while the same shaft structure provides the dilating function, enabling one device to perform multiple functions without requiring complex additional components
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar device and measurement assembly, includes a trocar having a sharply pointed shaft and a handle. An elongated sheath receives the shaft of the trocar therein, wherein the elongated sheath includes a plurality of measuring indicia thereon for measuring a length of a tracheoesophageal puncture formed by the trocar. A method of measuring the tracheoesophageal puncture is provided by inserting the elongated sheath into the puncture while observing the measuring indicia on the sheath to determine a length of the puncture.