Calculus Retrieval Device Fluid Convection Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing calculus from the renal pelvis or ureter, such as shock wave lithotripsy, transurethral lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, face challenges like high recurrence rates, long procedure times, and potential patient complications, including ischemia, obstruction, and infection, due to difficulties in accurately capturing and removing stones.
Innovation Solution
A calculus retrieving device featuring an elongated member with a lumen for fluid discharge and suction, and a retrieval part that can be positioned in the renal pelvis to occlude the ureter and flush out stones using fluid convection and suction, allowing for efficient removal of stones without the need for extensive access routes or prolonged procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transurethral lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used to remove calculus, then the calculus can be removed from the body, but the procedure time becomes excessively long and the stone-free rate remains low due to the need to remove crush pieces one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using fluid flow through the elongated member to simultaneously flush out multiple calculus pieces from the renal pelvis. The fluid pressure and flow dynamics enable bulk removal of stones rather than sequential extraction, dramatically improving productivity while reducing procedure time.
2Ease of operation
If shock wave lithotripsy is used to break stones, then the treatment procedure is simple, but the recurrence rate of kidney stones becomes relatively high due to incomplete removal of small calculus pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stone-breaking function with the retrieval function in a single integrated device. The elongated member with retrieval part not only fragments calculus but simultaneously captures and removes all pieces through fluid flushing, ensuring complete clearance and preventing recurrence while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic flushing through the elongated member ensures complete removal of all calculus fragments from the renal pelvis, preventing residual stones that would lead to recurrence. The fluid dynamics create effective washout while the device remains simple to operate.
3Productivity
If percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used for larger calculus, then the stones can be effectively treated, but patient complications such as infection, obstruction, and ischemia increase due to the invasive nature of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid as an intermediary to retrieve calculus pieces through the elongated member, avoiding direct manipulation that could cause tissue trauma. This reduces patient complications while maintaining effective calculus removal capability for both small and large stones.
4Productivity
If conventional retrieval methods are used, then stones can be removed, but the access route must be narrow and long making the procedure difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval part is nested within the elongated member, allowing the device to be introduced through a relatively simple access route. The nested configuration enables the complex retrieval function to be delivered through a streamlined catheter-like structure, reducing access route complexity while maintaining retrieval productivity.
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
The device enables efficient and effective removal of calculus from the renal pelvis and ureter, reducing recurrence rates and minimizing patient complications by facilitating the flushing and retrieval of stones with fluid convection and suction, thereby improving the 'stone-free rate' and reducing procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
an suction force in the lumen to draw fluid into the lumen from the renal pelvis
Implementation Method 2
a discharge force in the lumen to discharge fluid in the lumen out of the elongated member and into the renal pelvis
Data Source
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AI summary
A calculus removing device (330) includes an elongated member (331) and a retrieval part (386) fixed to the elongated member (331). A discharge force is produced in a lumen (336) in the elongated member (331) to discharge fluid in the lumen (336) into the renal pelvis, and a suction force is produced in the lumen (336) to draw fluid into the lumen (336) from the renal pelvis. An outlet (334) communicates with the lumen (336), and fluid in the lumen is discharged into the renal pelvis through the outlet (334) in the presence of the discharge force. An inlet (380) communicates with the lumen (336), and fluid in the renal pelvis is drawn into the lumen (336) through the inlet (380) in the presence of the suction force. The retrieval part (386) includes an interior (388) that communicates with the lumen (336) and the renal pelvis, and the interior (388) is configured to receive the calculus in the renal pelvis in the presence of the suction force.