Angled Surgical Drape Trough for Hysteroscopic Fluid Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical drapes used during hysteroscopic procedures inadequately collect fluid discharged from the patient, leading to inaccurate monitoring of fluid absorption, which can result in premature termination of the procedure or risk of fluid overload.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drape design featuring a collection portion with a main panel and side panels angled to form a trough, attached to the patient's body with adhesive strips, directing fluid to a collection pouch for accurate measurement, minimizing fluid loss and dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical drapes are used during hysteroscopic procedures, then the procedure can be performed, but fluid discharged from the patient is inadequately collected leading to inaccurate monitoring of fluid absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion is divided into multiple panels (main panel and side panels) that are separately positioned and attached to different body regions. This segmentation allows each panel to specifically capture fluid from its designated area, improving overall collection accuracy and preventing fluid loss through inadequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The side panels are arranged in a second nominal plane at an angle relative to the main panel's first nominal plane, creating a three-dimensional collection structure. This angular arrangement enables the drape to capture fluid discharged in multiple directions, including lateral flow that conventional flat drapes would miss, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If distention fluid is used to insufflate the uterine cavity, then the cavity can be expanded for proper inspection, but there is a risk of fluid overload and intoxication due to over-absorption through the uterine wall
Solution Approach 1:
The drape provides real-time feedback on fluid discharge volume through accurate collection and measurement. This feedback mechanism allows the surgical team to monitor fluid absorption rates continuously, enabling timely adjustments to fluid insufflation to prevent overload and intoxication while maintaining adequate cavity distension for inspection.
3Measurement precision
If the collection portion uses angled side panels to form a trough, then fluid can be directed to a collection point, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion integrates multiple functional elements into a single unified structure: the main panel for primary collection, angled side panels for directional guidance, adhesive strips for secure attachment, and the collection pouch for accumulation. This merging of functions into one integrated component achieves precise fluid collection without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If adhesive strips are used to attach the drape to the patient's body, then fluid collection is improved, but the ease of repair and repositioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive strips provide dynamic attachment that balances security with adjustability. They ensure reliable fixation during the procedure to maintain collection effectiveness, yet allow for controlled repositioning or removal if needed, accommodating both reliability and ease of repair requirements through their intermediate bonding characteristics.
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
Enhances fluid collection and measurement accuracy, allowing for safer and more complete hysteroscopic procedures by reducing fluid overload risks and improving procedure outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The distal edge of the main panel may comprise an adhesive strip
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of a lateral edge of each side panel may be configured to be attached to a corresponding thigh of the patient and may, in some cases, comprise an adhesive strip
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drape (100) is described that is aimed at providing a way to direct a maximum amount of fluid (e.g., distention fluid) discharged from the patient's uterine cavity to a collection point, such as a fluid management system, during a hysteroscopic procedure. The surgical drape may include a cover portion (105) and a collection portion (110) that is attached to the cover portion (105). The cover portion (105) may define an opening (115) that provides a surgeon with surgical access to the patient for performing a medical procedure. The collection portion (110) may include a main panel (120) that can be attached to the patient's back distally of the gluteal cleft (e.g., via an adhesive strip). The main panel (110) may include a pocket (170), via which the surgeon may insert his hands to position the main panel (110) under the patient without disturbing the sterile field.