Working Channel With Side Openings for Single-Incision Multi-Site Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional percutaneous procedures are invasive and require multiple incisions for access to multiple body positions, causing tissue trauma and limiting the application to a single site, which is not suitable for a broad spectrum of treatments.
Innovation Solution
A working channel with a proximal end of larger diameter for external equipment and a distal end of smaller diameter for minimal tissue disruption, featuring a side opening along its length to allow access to multiple locations within the body, accompanied by tools like trocars, dilators, endoscopes, and suction elements for minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple incisions are made to access multiple body positions, then access to multiple sites is improved, but tissue trauma and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with side openings at different positions to access multiple body sites through a single incision. The channel is divided into a proximal portion for instrument insertion and a distal portion for tissue interaction, allowing versatile access without multiple incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective sheath, provides access to multiple body positions through side openings, allows insertion of various instruments, and enables irrigation and suction. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate incisions and tools.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single incision is used for minimally invasive procedures, then tissue trauma is reduced, but access to multiple body positions becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel transitions from a simple linear puncture to a three-dimensional structure with side openings extending laterally at different positions. This dimensional expansion allows the single incision to access multiple anatomical locations that would traditionally require separate incisions at different sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The working channel acts as an intermediary structure between the single skin incision and multiple target sites within the body. It provides a protected pathway and multiple exit points (side openings) that mediate access to various body positions without requiring direct incisions at each site.
3Ease of operation
If the proximal end of the working channel has a larger diameter for equipment insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the distal end requires smaller diameter to minimize tissue disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The working channel exhibits varying diameters at different locations: the proximal end has a larger diameter to facilitate easy insertion of instruments and equipment, while the distal end tapers to a smaller diameter to minimize tissue disruption at the insertion site. Each section is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter parameter of the working channel is changed along its length, transitioning from a larger proximal diameter for instrument access to a smaller distal diameter for minimal tissue trauma. This parameter variation allows the channel to satisfy conflicting requirements at different locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A working channel for use in a method and system for performing percutaneous procedures extends through the patient's skin and includes a proximal end positioned outside of the patient's body having a first diameter and a distal end positioned inside the user's body and having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.