Conformable Tube Surgical Smoke Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical smoke evacuation systems intrude upon the surgical site, altering visualization and tactile access, and fail to effectively isolate the surgical staff from hazardous smoke plumes.
Innovation Solution
A sterile, self-supporting conformable tube is positioned proximate to the surgical site without intruding, equipped with filtration means and adaptable to different anatomical needs, allowing for safe and effective smoke evacuation while maintaining access and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sterilized suction instrument is placed directly into the surgical field, then surgical smoke can be evacuated, but visual and tactile access to the surgical site is altered and reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is extracted from the surgical field and repositioned in the proximal background, removing the intrusive element while preserving the smoke evacuation function. The distal end remains near the smoke source but does not obstruct the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
A conformable tube acts as an intermediary element, allowing the suction device to remain outside the surgical field while still capturing smoke. The tube transmits smoke from the distal end near the surgical site to the proximal end where evacuation occurs.
2Productivity
If a suction device is positioned proximate to the surgical site, then smoke evacuation is effective, but the device intrudes upon the surgical site and compromises access
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device transitions from a two-dimensional planar obstruction to a three-dimensional conformable structure that can navigate around the surgical site. The distal end can be positioned in multiple spatial orientations to capture smoke without blocking the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformable tube采用 flexible material that can be shaped and positioned to follow the contours of the surgical site, allowing effective smoke capture without rigid obstruction. The flexibility enables the tube to adapt to various anatomical configurations.
3Ease of operation
If a conformable tube is used for smoke evacuation, then surgical access and visualization are maintained, but the tube requires sterilization and integration with vacuum system
Solution Approach 1:
The smoke evacuation system is divided into separable components: a sterilizable conformable tube and a vacuum system. The tube can be sterilized independently and attached to the vacuum system as needed, simplifying the sterilization process and system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformable tube is designed as a disposable component that can be sterilized and discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex re-sterilization processes. This reduces the complexity of maintaining sterilization standards while preserving surgical access benefits.
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 ensures safe evacuation of surgical smoke without compromising surgical access, maintaining visualization and tactile feedback, and effectively isolating staff from hazardous contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
a filter housing or support adapted to receive and to treat the surgical smoke or vapor passing between the first end and the second end and through the conformable tube member
Data Source
AI summary
An air-surface disinfector has a conformable tube member that is detachably mounted to a vacuum generator. The conformable tube member has an integral filter housing or support for receiving and housing at least one or plurality of filters or other decontamination apparatus or means. The vacuum generator comprises a cavity that is defined by a plurality of walls formed in a predetermined configuration that complements the shape of the filter housing or support so that the filter housing or support can be dropped into the cavity, thereby securing the conformable tube member to the vacuum generator. The conformable tube member may optionally comprise a sterile sheath that is integral therewith or detachably mounted thereon. The conformable tube member and associated filter housing or support are disposable and may be disposed of after a predetermined time or after a predetermined contamination has been achieved.