Colon Cleaning Device with Fluid Agitation and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the colon are inefficient, often requiring extensive operator effort, are time-consuming, and may cause discomfort or damage due to the lack of effective tools for thoroughly cleansing the entire colon without proper guidance or training.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that continuously cleans the colon by maintaining a mixture of fluid and fecal matter, using a fluid input tube, a material output tube, and a controller to manage fluid flow and agitation, ensuring the colon is mostly filled and agitated to dislodge fecal matter effectively, with features like pulsating fluid and gas delivery, rotating elements, and pressure control to enhance cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enemas or hydrotherapy systems are used to clean the colon, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but procedure time increases to up to one hour per session and requires multiple sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous fluid flow and agitation throughout the colon cleaning process, eliminating the need for multiple sessions. The controller continuously monitors and adjusts fluid delivery and removal to maintain optimal cleaning conditions throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow rates, agitation intensity, and device position based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies operating parameters continuously to optimize cleaning efficiency and reduce overall procedure time.
2Area of stationary object
If long flexible tubes are inserted into the colon without visual guidance, then cleaning coverage is improved, but risk of colon damage increases due to lack of operator training and guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates visual guidance through a camera that provides real-time feedback to the operator. The camera system allows the operator to visualize the colon interior and adjust the device position accordingly, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual manipulation and tactile feedback with visual feedback through a camera system. This substitution allows less experienced operators to safely navigate and clean the colon by relying on visual guidance rather than manual skill alone.
3Productivity
If pharmacological preparation is used before endoscopic exam, then bowel movement is enhanced, but colon wall cleansing effectiveness remains at only about 75% of patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system physically removes the colonoscope and cleaning apparatus into the colon to directly contact and clean the colon wall. This extraction of the cleaning function from pharmacological preparation allows for direct mechanical cleaning that achieves near 100% effectiveness regardless of bowel movement quality.
4Loss of information
If colonoscope with water delivery system is used to clean fecal matter, then visual inspection capability is maintained, but operator effort and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the cleaning function with the colonoscope, integrating water delivery, suction, and visualization into a single unified apparatus. This integration allows the operator to perform cleaning and inspection simultaneously without requiring separate operations or auxiliary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The colonoscope is designed to perform multiple functions: visualization through the camera, cleaning through water delivery and agitation, and debris removal through suction. This multi-functionality reduces operator effort by eliminating the need for separate cleaning and inspection procedures.
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 solution enables rapid and effective cleaning of the colon, achieving up to 90% removal of feces while advancing at a rate of 10 cm per minute, reducing procedure time and improving safety by minimizing operator effort and the risk of colon damage.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid input tube for supplying fluid to a colon segment being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
a material output tube through which liquid and fecal matter may be removed from the colon
Implementation Method 3
features like pulsating fluid and gas delivery, rotating elements, and pressure control to enhance cleaning efficiency
Implementation Method 4
pressure control to enhance cleaning efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
This application presents methods and devices for continuously cleaning a colon by at least partially filling a segment of the colon with liquid and agitating the fluid to dislodge matter adhering to the colon walls. Methods for automatic maintenance of liquid levels in the colon during continuous cleaning are taught.