Variable Surgical Access Device Angular Port Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgical instruments, especially those used in mini-laparoscopy, face limitations due to their small diameter, leading to performance issues such as weak suction-irrigation systems, poor durability, and decreased video quality, which restrict their use to patients with favorable anatomy, and the 'chopstick effect' from multiple instruments in the umbilicus complicates procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical access device featuring a retractor with multiple sealing ports that can be rotated and adjusted in angular orientation, allowing for the insertion of instruments at varying angles, and a flexible housing that can move polyaxially to reduce interference between instruments and improve maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standard cannulas are placed in the umbilicus, then surgical access is achieved, but the chopstick effect occurs reducing surgeon control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular orientation of sealing ports relative to the longitudinal axis, adding a dimensional aspect to instrument insertion. Instruments are inserted at varying angles through the single-port device, transforming the linear arrangement problem into a multi-dimensional spatial solution that eliminates the chopstick effect while maintaining surgical access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mini-laparoscopic instruments with smaller diameter are used, then abdominal wall trauma is reduced, but performance limitations occur including weak suction-irrigation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surgical access system into modular components: a single-port entry device with multiple sealing ports, each capable of accommodating different instrument sizes. This segmentation allows the use of small-diameter instruments for minimal trauma while enabling the connection of larger-diameter instruments when enhanced performance is needed, resolving the contradiction between trauma reduction and performance reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single incision in the navel is used, then cosmetic outcome is improved, but instrument manipulation becomes difficult due to the chopstick effect
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sealing ports with central axes that form angles greater than zero with the longitudinal axis of the housing. This angular arrangement allows multiple instruments to be inserted at different angles through a single umbilical incision, eliminating the chopstick effect while maintaining the cosmetic benefit of a single hidden incision
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple sealing ports are made rigid, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different instrument angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid housing structure with dynamic, rotatable sealing ports. The sealing ports can rotate relative to the housing to adjust their angular orientation, allowing the rigid structure to maintain structural stability while the rotatable components provide adaptability to different instrument angles and surgical needs
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.