Calculus Retrieval Device with Axial Sealing Plunger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing kidney stones, 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 device comprising an elongated member with a sealing mechanism that allows for axial movement to draw stones into a retrieval space within the device, utilizing a plunger and sealing member to create suction and prevent ejection, facilitating the collection and removal of stones from the ureter or renal pelvis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shock wave lithotripsy is used to break stones into smaller pieces, then the procedure is simple and non-invasive, but the stone-free rate decreases and recurrence rate increases due to inability to remove all fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shock wave lithotripsy with a retrieval device in a single integrated system. The device includes a catheter with a retrieval basket that can capture stone fragments after ESWL breakdown, merging the fragmentation function with the retrieval function to achieve both simplicity and completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval basket acts as an intermediary component between the shock wave source and the stone fragments. It captures the fragmented stones and facilitates their removal, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between fragmentation and complete stone-free status
2Reliability
If transurethral lithotripsy with ureteroscope and basket device is used to capture and remove stones, then stone removal capability is improved, but procedure time increases and risk of ureteral injury increases due to narrow access route
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the stone removal process into distinct functional zones: a shock wave delivery section for fragmenting stones, a retrieval basket section for capturing fragments, and a catheter section for navigation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently without requiring sequential manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter device performs multiple functions: it serves as a delivery conduit for shock waves, a navigation guide for reaching the stone, and a retrieval mechanism for removing fragments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, thereby reducing overall procedure time
3Reliability
If percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used for large calculus, then stone removal effectiveness is improved, but patient complications increase due to incision and nephrostomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for external incisions and nephrostomy tubes by delivering the shock wave source and retrieval device through the existing urinary tract pathway. The active elements are extracted from the external environment and placed internally through natural or minimally invasive routes, eliminating the harmful effects of surgical incisions
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a single-use catheter assembly that is discarded after one procedure, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and reprocessing. This disposable nature reduces infection risk and simplifies the procedure, making effective stone removal accessible without the complications of repeated instrument handling
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 effectively reduces stone recurrence rates and minimizes complications by efficiently capturing and removing stones in a single procedure, improving the 'stone-free rate' and reducing procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
A device is disclosed for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body... A sealing member is movably positioned in the lumen of the elongated member to axially move in a distal direction in the lumen... to draw fluid and the calculus into the retrieval space
Data Source
AI summary
A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member positionable in the living body lumen and including an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space between the inlet and the outlet, and a sealing member movably positioned in the lumen of the elongated member to axially move in distal and proximal directions, wherein the sealing member is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the lumen in the elongated member. A plunger is connected to the sealing member and includes two parts separated from one another to form a divided sealing member when the plunger is moved in the distal direction and that directly contact one another to form an integrated sealing member when the plunger is moved in the proximal direction to draw fluid and the calculus into the retrieval space.