Dual-Lumen Ureteral Device with Nested Optical Fiber Lumen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices used to fragment and remove stones from the urinary tract face challenges in balancing size for insertion, visualization of the optical fiber tip, control of the optical fiber, and efficient aspiration of larger fragments, due to the arrangement of lumens and termination planes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-lumen device with the optical fiber lumen terminating before the aspiration lumen, allowing for larger fragment aspiration, enhanced visualization, and improved control mechanisms including a wheel with rollers for precise optical fiber advancement and a mechanical switch for aspiration/irrigation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical fiber lumen is contained within the aspiration lumen, then the device size is reduced, but the aspiration lumen size is limited and cannot handle larger stone fragments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber lumen is nested within the aspiration lumen, with the optical fiber lumen positioned concentrically inside the aspiration lumen. This nesting arrangement allows both lumens to share the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall device diameter while maintaining adequate aspiration lumen capacity for stone fragments.
2Device complexity
If the optical fiber lumen and aspiration lumen terminate at the same plane, then the device structure is simplified, but the optical fiber tip cannot be visualized by the physician
Solution Approach 1:
The lumens are arranged in different spatial dimensions with the optical fiber lumen positioned centrally within the aspiration lumen. The optical fiber lumen terminates at a distal plane while the aspiration lumen extends further distally, creating a stepped configuration that allows the physician to visualize the optical fiber tip through the urethascope while maintaining simplified lumen structure.
3Quantity of substance
If the aspiration lumen size is increased to handle larger fragments, then the device diameter increases, but it may not fit within the urethascope working channel
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber lumen is nested within the aspiration lumen, allowing the device to maintain a compact overall diameter suitable for urethascope insertion while providing adequate aspiration lumen capacity for stone fragments. The concentric arrangement optimizes space utilization.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the optical fiber lumen is positioned to allow easy visualization of the tip, then the lumen arrangement becomes more complex, but this complicates the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The lumens are arranged in different spatial dimensions with the optical fiber lumen positioned centrally within the aspiration lumen. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the optical fiber tip to be visualized through the urethascope working channel while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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
Enables easier visualization and control of the optical fiber tip, facilitates the aspiration of larger stone fragments, and provides ergonomic handling for precise procedures, addressing the limitations of prior devices.
Implementation Method 1
devices which are adapted to fragment materials contained within a body lumen, including urinary tract stones, bladder stones, kidney stones and the like, using optical energy, especially lasers
Implementation Method 2
a second lumen to aspirate fragmented stones or other materials
Data Source
AI summary
A device for insertion into a body lumen includes an operator unit which may be hand held by an operator. A cannula is operatively associated with the operator unit and the cannula includes two parallel lumens. At least one of two lumens terminates at its distal end before the distal end of the other lumen and wherein one of the two lumens is contained at most partially within the other lumen.