Distal Screen Fluid Recirculation Debris Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endometrial ablation procedures, debris generated from treating the uterine lining can occlude the fluid circulation system, impeding the flow of heated fluid and potentially causing tissue damage or procedural complications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a longitudinal member and a screen at its distal end, featuring a plurality of openings, is used to circulate fluid into and out of the uterus, where the screen filters debris and prevents it from re-entering the circulation system, ensuring unimpeded fluid flow and minimizing heat transfer to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a return lumen is used to circulate fluid back into the body, then fluid circulation and heat maintenance are improved, but debris generated during ablation can occlude the return lumen and impede fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The return lumen is segmented into multiple smaller openings distributed across the screen structure, allowing debris to pass through between openings while maintaining overall flow capacity. This segmentation prevents single-point occlusion and maintains circulation efficiency even when some openings are blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
A screen structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the return lumen interior and the uterine cavity. The screen filters debris from the fluid stream while allowing fluid to pass through, preventing debris occlusion of the return lumen while maintaining circulation.
2Device complexity
If the return lumen is positioned closely to the inlet lumen, then device compactness is improved, but heat transfer to surrounding tissues increases causing potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The screen structure provides localized thermal isolation at the critical interface between the return lumen and surrounding tissues. The screen's physical presence creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer to adjacent tissues while maintaining the compact configuration of the return lumen near the inlet lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen acts as a thermal intermediary barrier between the heated fluid in the return lumen and the surrounding uterine tissues. It allows fluid circulation while blocking harmful heat transfer, enabling compact device configuration without tissue damage.
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 prevents debris from occluding the fluid circulation, maintaining optimal flow and heat distribution within the uterus, reducing the risk of tissue damage and procedural complications while allowing for efficient filtration and reuse of the fluid.
Implementation Method 1
the screen including a plurality of openings extending therethrough from a radially inner surface forming a radially outer wall of a distal portion of the return lumen to an outer surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A device for circulating fluid to a target site within a living body, comprises a longitudinal member including an inlet lumen supplying fluid to the target site and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the target site, the return lumen surrounding the inlet lumen and a screen coupled to a distal end of the longitudinal member, the screen including a plurality of openings extending therethrough from a radially inner surface forming a radially outer wall of a distal portion of the return lumen to an outer surface thereof.