Gas Detection System for Bowel Perforation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bowel perforations during surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy, are difficult to detect due to optical limitations and movement of the bowel, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity and mortality, as well as higher treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
A bowel perforation detection system that includes a sample delivery unit with filtering means and a sensing unit equipped with gas-detecting sensors to measure elevated concentrations of gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide in the abdominal cavity, allowing for real-time detection of perforations during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical visualization methods are used to detect bowel perforation during surgery, then the surgeon can directly observe the surgical field, but detection is limited by optical constraints and bowel movement causing false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical visualization methods with a gas detection system that uses chemical sensing to identify bowel perforation. The system draws gas samples from the abdominal cavity and analyzes them for bowel gases (methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide) using gas sensors, eliminating reliance on visual observation that is compromised by bowel movement and optical limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gas samples as an intermediary medium to detect bowel perforation. Instead of directly observing the bowel or surgical field, the system detects the presence of bowel gases in the abdominal cavity through gas sampling and analysis, providing indirect but reliable evidence of perforation.
2Loss of time
If delayed diagnosis of bowel perforation occurs, then treatment time is extended, but patient morbidity and mortality increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of bowel perforation by continuously monitoring for bowel gases in the abdominal cavity during surgery. The gas detection system is ready to immediately identify perforation events as they occur, allowing for instant intervention before complications develop, rather than waiting for delayed clinical signs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about the presence of bowel gases in the abdominal cavity. When bowel gases are detected, the system immediately alerts the surgical team, enabling prompt response and intervention. This continuous monitoring and feedback loop eliminates delays in diagnosis and treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures are used, then surgical precision is improved, but lack of surgeon feel and reduced visualization increase bowel perforation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detection system serves as an intermediary monitoring tool that compensates for the reduced tactile feedback and visualization in robotic-assisted surgery. By detecting bowel gases in the abdominal cavity, the system provides an additional safety layer that alerts surgeons to perforation events that might otherwise go undetected due to limited direct visualization.
4Ease of operation
If blind introduction of Veress needle or trocar is performed, then surgical procedure can be initiated, but bowel perforation may occur without immediate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detection system is activated during the initial stages of surgery, including during blind introduction of Veress needle or trocar. This allows for preliminary detection of any perforation that occurs during these critical moments, ensuring that even injuries occurring during routine procedural steps are immediately identified.
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 timely detection of bowel perforations during surgery, reducing the risk of delayed diagnosis and associated complications, and facilitating immediate treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment costs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit comprising a gas-detecting means to detect an elevated concentration of the gas in the abdominal or pelvic cavity
Implementation Method 2
a pump to transport a gas sample from the sample delivery unit to the sensing unit
Implementation Method 3
a sample delivery unit comprising an aspirate filtering means to separate the gas from a liquid and microbial component of an aspirate sample
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices to detect perforation of the bowel, for example, resulting from surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy, diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, medical conditions, such as diverticulitis, and trauma. The present disclosure also relates to filtration systems and electrical connector assemblies for use in the methods and devices.