Vacuum-Secured Trocar Positioning Platform for Tissue Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trocars lack depth indication during insertion, leading to potential perforation of underlying organs or structures, and existing methods like pneumoperitoneum can cause complications and unintentional movement of guide tubes.
Innovation Solution
A trocar positioning platform with a substrate that applies vacuum through suction openings for securement to tissue, maintaining a predetermined configuration to stabilize trocar insertion and prevent tissue collapse, and optionally using adhesives for temporary attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trocar is inserted without depth indication, then the insertion process is simple, but the risk of perforating underlying organs or structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a depth indication mechanism that provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during trocar insertion. This feedback system allows the surgeon to monitor penetration depth and stop before perforating underlying organs, thus resolving the contradiction between simple insertion and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical estimation of penetration depth with a visual or electronic indication system. This substitution provides precise depth information without complicating the insertion process, addressing both simplicity and safety concerns.
2Reliability
If pneumoperitoneum is established to expand abdominal space, then trocar penetration safety is improved, but the risk of unintentional perforation and medical complications remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes pneumoperitoneum as a preliminary action before trocar insertion to expand the abdominal space and create a safety buffer. However, it adds depth indication as a complementary measure to prevent over-penetration even with the expanded space, thus addressing both safety improvement and remaining risks.
3Reliability
If the guide tube is left in place after obturator removal, then access pathway is maintained, but unintentional movement or accidental withdrawal occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a retention mechanism that allows the guide tube to maintain its own position through self-retention features. The mechanism provides automatic stabilization without requiring continuous external intervention, thus maintaining access pathway reliability while preventing unintentional movement.
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
Reduces the risk of tissue injury and unintended movement by stabilizing trocar insertion, allowing controlled depth and angle adjustments, and facilitating safe tissue retraction during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a second surface which is configured to apply a vacuum through one or more suction openings for securement to a tissue surface
Data Source
AI summary
Trocar retractor apparatus and methods for use are described where an apparatus for positioning an instrument may generally include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, an instrument positioning guide projecting from the first surface of the substrate, and one or more suction assemblies positioned along the second surface and in fluid communication with an interior of the substrate. The one or more suction assemblies may be attachable to a tissue region via a vacuum force applied through the one or more suction assemblies. The apparatus may also have the substrate configured to maintain a predetermined configuration when the vacuum force is applied.