Access Sheath Force Gauge for Ureter Perforation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access sheaths used for medical procedures, such as ureteroscopy, risk perforating the ureter due to excessive force required for advancement through narrow or restricted portions, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising an access sheath with a force gauge and a spring mechanism that allows for the measurement and control of the force applied, featuring a grip, cap, and spring configuration to indicate resistive forces, enabling safe advancement by monitoring and adjusting the force applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to advance the access sheath through narrow or restricted portions of the ureter, then the access sheath can be introduced, but the ureter may be perforated or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The force gauge is pre-configured with a spring mechanism that establishes a maximum force threshold before the procedure begins. The spring is compressed within the grip assembly, and indicator marks are pre-positioned to show when the maximum safe force is reached, allowing the operator to advance the sheath safely without needing to calculate or estimate forces during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The force gauge provides real-time visual feedback through indicator marks that become visible when the spring is compressed to its maximum threshold. This immediate feedback allows the operator to sense when the maximum safe force is being applied and stop before causing ureteral perforation, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents excessive force application.
2Measurement precision
If a force gauge is added to the access sheath device, then force measurement and control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force gauge functionality is merged with the existing grip assembly of the access sheath device. The spring mechanism is housed within the grip, and the indicator marks are integrated into the grip's visual interface. This combination eliminates the need for separate force measurement devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates complex force application into a simple visual indication. Rather than using complex sensors or electronic measurement systems, the spring's compression directly moves indicator marks into view, providing force measurement through a simple mechanical-analog interface that is easy to understand and implement.
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
Enables safe and controlled introduction of the access sheath by preventing excessive force, thereby reducing the risk of perforation and damage to body lumens.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be disposed within a lumen of the grip. The grip may be configured to move relative to the cap to change a height of the spring within the lumen of the grip.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and methods to assist in the introduction of an instrument into a patient, and more particularly to medical devices for measuring and/or monitoring forces applied during introduction of an access sheath through a body lumen.