Trocar Support With Self-Contained Inflatable Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trocar support systems are limited in their ability to securely hold trocars in place during medical procedures, often requiring external fluid sources that can lead to over-inflation, under-inflation, or incorrect fluid selection, potentially causing injuries or procedural complications.
Innovation Solution
A trocar support apparatus with a separate, adjustable abutment member and inflatable collar that includes a self-contained fluid source, allowing for precise inflation control and integration with the trocar sleeve, eliminating the need for external fluid supplies and minimizing the risk of incorrect inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external fluid source is used to inflate the balloon, then the trocar can be held in place, but there is a risk of over-inflation, under-inflation, or incorrect fluid selection which may cause injuries or procedural complications
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a self-contained fluid reservoir integrated into the abutment member that automatically provides the correct amount of fluid for balloon inflation. The fluid delivery system is designed to inflate the balloon to a predetermined safe volume without requiring external fluid sources, thereby eliminating the risks of over-inflation, under-inflation, or incorrect fluid selection while maintaining reliable trocar retention.
2Reliability
If a separate element with self-contained fluid source is used, then inflation control is precise and external fluid supply risks are eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid reservoir, fluid delivery system, and abutment member are merged into a single integrated assembly. The reservoir is positioned within the abutment member, and the delivery system connects these components in a compact configuration. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining precise inflation control through the self-contained system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the abutment member is adjustable longitudinally, then it can be located at a selected position on the trocar sleeve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment member is designed with longitudinal adjustability along the trocar sleeve, allowing it to be positioned at different locations as needed for various procedural requirements. The adjustment mechanism enables dynamic repositioning while maintaining secure attachment, providing adaptability without requiring complex fixed-position mechanisms for each possible location.
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 solution provides a secure, controlled, and safe method to hold trocars in place, preventing injuries from over-inflation or under-inflation, while simplifying the procedure by eliminating external fluid supply risks and ensuring accurate fluid delivery directly on the trocar support apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable member (15) extending around the trocar sleeve (11) which can be inflated to a predetermined size by a source of fluid (17)
Data Source
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AI summary
A support apparatus (10) for supporting a trocar (12) while the trocar (12) extends through a body wall of a patient includes an inflatable collar (15) extending around the trocar (12) which can be inflated to a predetermined size by a source of fluid (17), where the source of fluid (17) is located on the trocar support apparatus 810) itself so as to be carried thereby and is defined by a pump (17) mechanism to provide a fixed volume allowing inflation only to a fixed size. An abutment member (14) is shaped to be received on an outer surface of a trocar sleeve (11) and adjustable longitudinally of the trocar sleeve (11) so as to be located at a selected position. A tube (16) connecting the pump (17) on the abutment (14) to the inflatable collar (15) is wrapped helically around the sleeve (11) of the trocar. The collar (15) includes a sleeve portion (15A) which can be unrolled on to the trocar sleeve (11).