CT Colonography Insufflator with Remote Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical insufflation systems for procedures like CT colonography lack precise control and comfort, often causing patient discomfort due to sudden gas introduction and requiring operators to be physically present for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An insufflating system with a controller, user interface, and valve assembly that detects pressure and volume levels, allowing for remote operation and adjustable flow rates, along with safety features like a relief valve and filter, to ensure proper distension and patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a sizeable amount of air or gaseous media is suddenly introduced into the colon, then the colon is distended for imaging, but the patient experiences discomfort or pain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or controlled incremental delivery of distending media rather than sudden introduction. The electromechanical insufflator delivers gas in controlled amounts over time, allowing the colon to distend gradually and comfortably while achieving the necessary volume for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors and flow meters that provide real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor colon pressure and adjust the delivery rate of distending media accordingly, preventing excessive pressure buildup that would cause patient discomfort while ensuring adequate distension for imaging.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an operator stations themselves in an adjacent viewing room to monitor the procedure, then operator safety from radiation exposure is improved, but the ability to adjust or control the insufflator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical presence requirements with electronic control mechanisms. The electromechanical insufflator incorporates automated control systems, pressure sensors, flow meters, and microprocessors that enable remote monitoring and adjustment via communication interfaces, allowing operators to control the device from a radiation-shielded location.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller integrates multiple functions including pressure monitoring, flow control, imaging coordination, and remote communication interfaces into a single system. This multi-functional design allows the operator to manage all aspects of the procedure from a centralized remote location without needing to be physically present at the patient's side.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of pressure and volume data is used to determine proper insufflation, then the system remains simple, but the precision and accuracy of distension control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors, flow meters, and microprocessors that continuously monitor and automatically adjust distending media delivery. This closed-loop feedback system provides precise real-time control of colon pressure and volume, ensuring accurate distension for imaging while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual monitoring with electronic sensing and automated control. Pressure sensors and flow meters provide continuous digital data to microprocessors that automatically adjust delivery parameters, significantly improving measurement precision and control accuracy compared to manual observation while adding only moderate electronic complexity.
4Loss of time
If rapid delivery of distending media is used to quickly distend the colon, then the procedure time is reduced, but patient comfort and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or pulsed delivery of distending media with controlled intervals. The electromechanical insufflator delivers gas in regulated bursts or continuous low-flow modes that gradually achieve target volume while maintaining patient comfort, optimizing the balance between procedure time and patient well-being.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time pressure and volume feedback allows the system to dynamically adjust delivery rate. When the colon approaches target distension, the system automatically reduces flow rate to prevent over-distension, enabling efficient yet comfortable procedures by eliminating unnecessary delays while maintaining safety margins.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices, and methods for delivering distending media to an organ of a patient with a dispensing device for acquiring an image of the organ while distended. In one embodiment, an insufflating system comprises a controller for detecting a pressure level of the distending media within an organ of a patient, wherein the controller is configured to signal an operator to acquire an image of the organ when the pressure level is within a predetermined pressure range for a predetermined period of time. Further, the insufflating system comprises a valve assembly in communication with the controller and in fluid communication between the source of distending media and the organ of the patient, wherein the valve assembly is configured to adjust a flow rate of the distending media delivered to the organ of the patient, and an administration set configured to direct the distending media from the valve assembly to the organ of the patient.