Dual Pump Fluid Management for Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems for minimally invasive procedures, such as transurethral resection of prostate tissue, lack control and accountability, often requiring redundant hardware and complex pumping systems for separate fluid flows and fluid accumulation tracking.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid management system with dual pump and valve assemblies and a controller for selective fluid flow direction, allowing for controlled fluid infusion and aspiration, and efficient fluid collection, integrated into minimally invasive surgical systems for enhanced operational simplicity and reduced hardware redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active pumping systems are used to deliver fluid flows, then fluid control and accountability are improved, but device complexity and hardware redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pumping systems into a single dual-function pump assembly that can selectively deliver fluid to either the body lumen or the resection tool through valve control. This merging eliminates hardware redundancy while maintaining the ability to provide controlled fluid flows to both circuits, directly resolving the contradiction between improved fluid control and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform both infusion to the body lumen and infusion to the resection tool. By incorporating directional valves and selective flow paths, the pump serves multiple functions that previously required separate systems, thereby reducing hardware redundancy while preserving fluid control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If separate pumping systems are used for body lumen and resection tool fluid flows, then fluid delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate pumping systems into one dual-function pump assembly with integrated valve control. The controller selectively activates the pump to deliver fluid to either the body lumen or resection tool, maintaining precise fluid delivery control while eliminating the need for two independent pumping systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary between the single pump and the two fluid circuits. By controlling valve positions, the system directs pump output to the appropriate circuit, enabling separate fluid delivery control for body lumen and resection tool without requiring separate pumps, thus simplifying the system while preserving operational control.
3Device complexity
If saline drip is used for fluid introduction, then device simplicity is maintained, but fluid control and accountability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the simplicity of a single pump system with the control capabilities of active pumping by integrating directional valves and selective flow paths. This allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while achieving reliable fluid control and accountability through controlled delivery to both the body lumen and resection tool, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of fluid delivery parameters (flow rate, destination, timing) through electronic control of the pump and valves. This transforms the passive fluid introduction of a saline drip into an actively controlled system that maintains simplicity while significantly improving fluid control and accountability through parameter management.
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 system provides improved control and accountability for fluid management during procedures, reducing the need for redundant hardware and simplifying fluid accumulation tracking, enhancing the efficiency and safety of minimally invasive surgical operations.
Implementation Method 1
The pump of the first pump and valve assembly is operable to reverse flow direction and the valves of the first pump and valve assembly include a pair of one-way valves oriented to provide inflow to the pump from the fluid source in both flow directions
Implementation Method 2
The one-way valves are adapted to direct fluid flows between first and second flow paths in response to the first and second flow directions established by the pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system receives fluid from a fluid source and delivers the fluid to a medical probe having a first fluid infusion and aspiration circuit and a second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit. The system also transfers fluid from the medical probe to a collection container. A controller operates a first pump and valve assembly to selectively deliver fluid inflow from the fluid source to one of the first fluid infusion and the second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit. The controller further operates a second pump and valve assembly to selectively transfer fluid outflow to the collection container from one of the first fluid infusion and aspiration circuit of the medical probe and the second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit of the medical probe.