Universal Height Foam Port for Variable Tissue Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical access devices are not universally suitable for different tissue thicknesses, requiring multiple devices and pre-procedure tissue thickness assessments, which can lead to errors and instability during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus with a seal anchor member that can be adjusted to different lengths by folding, featuring slots, apertures, and pins to accommodate various tissue thicknesses, allowing for secure placement and stable instrument access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access devices of different lengths are supplied to accommodate different tissue thicknesses, then the suitability for various patients is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is designed with a seal anchor member that can assume multiple lengths through folding, allowing a single universal device to accommodate different tissue thicknesses. The device includes a body portion and a seal anchor member with folding capability, enabling one device to perform the function of multiple devices with different lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal anchor member is configured to be foldable along its longitudinal axis, transforming from a fixed-length structure to a dynamic structure that can change its effective length. This dynamic folding mechanism allows the device to adapt its length to match different tissue thicknesses during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If tissue thickness is assessed before procedure to select appropriate access device length, then the initial device selection accuracy is improved, but the time required for assessment and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal anchor member's foldable design allows dynamic adjustment of length after insertion, eliminating the need for precise pre-procedure tissue thickness assessment. The device can be inserted in a compact folded state and then extended to the appropriate length once positioned, saving time and reducing assessment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in a compact folded state for insertion, and the length adjustment is performed as a preliminary action after insertion but before use. This sequence allows rapid insertion without assessment delays, followed by quick length adjustment to the required configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access device length is greater than patient's tissue thickness, then the device can accommodate thick tissues, but the device cannot be stabilized within the incision
Solution Approach 1:
The seal anchor member can be folded to precisely match the tissue thickness, providing optimal stability. The dynamic folding capability allows the device to be configured with the exact length needed for each patient, preventing the instability that occurs when a device is too long for the incision site.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective length parameter of the seal anchor member is changed through folding to match the specific tissue thickness. This parameter adjustment ensures the device is neither too long nor too short, achieving stable positioning within the incision while maintaining the capability to accommodate thick tissues when needed.
4Ease of operation
If access device length is less than patient's tissue thickness, then the device is easier to insert, but it cannot reach the surgical site and cannot be stabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The seal anchor member is inserted in a compact folded state for ease of insertion, then extended to the required length once positioned. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve both easy insertion (when folded) and reliable reach/stabilization (when extended to match tissue thickness).
Solution Approach 2:
The device is inserted in a compact preliminary configuration, then extended to its functional length after successful insertion. This two-stage approach ensures easy initial insertion followed by reliable positioning at the surgical site, eliminating the trade-off between insertion ease and operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to tissues having different thicknesses. The surgical apparatus is configured to have different lengths. In one embodiment, the surgical includes a seal anchor member having two ends, and one of which is adapted to fold resulting in a plurality of folded states. Each folded state corresponds to a different length of the seal anchor member. The seal anchor member includes a slot to facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states. The seal anchor member further includes an aperture and a pin configured to further facilitate transition within the plurality of folded states.