Electrostatic Surgical Material Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemostat delivery systems face challenges with inconsistent pressure from compressed gas cartridges, leading to excessive powder dispersion and attachment to unintended areas, compromising user control and procedural efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic guide system that applies a charge to hemostat material, allowing it to be directed to a target anatomic site, reducing unwanted dispersion and attachment, and maintaining consistent pressure for controlled delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressed gas cartridges are used to deliver hemostat material, then the delivery system is simple and portable, but the pressure fluctuates over time causing inconsistent delivery and excessive powder dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure during the procedure using an electric pump and control system, transitioning from static cartridge pressure to adaptive pressure control. This maintains consistent delivery despite changing conditions, resolving the reliability issue while preserving portability through battery-powered components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter over time through controlled pump operation, maintaining optimal pressure levels throughout the procedure. This contrasts with cartridges that naturally decay in pressure, thereby ensuring consistent hemostat material delivery and reducing powder dispersion.
2Productivity
If high pressure is used to deliver hemostat powder, then the material reaches the target area effectively, but the powder disperses excessively and attaches to unintended areas causing white-out conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces purely mechanical high-pressure gas delivery with a controlled pump system that uses electrical power to generate consistent, moderate pressure. This substitution allows for precise pressure regulation, achieving effective delivery without the excessive pressure that causes harmful powder dispersion and white-out conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors and adjusts pump operation to maintain optimal pressure levels, preventing pressure spikes that would cause excessive dispersion. This feedback control ensures powder is delivered effectively to the target while minimizing attachment to unintended areas.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pressure limiting valves are added to control powder delivery, then excessive dispersion is reduced, but the system complexity increases and user experience remains inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The electric pump and control system serve multiple functions: they control pressure to prevent excessive dispersion, maintain consistent delivery throughout the procedure, and provide precise trajectory control. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate components (cartridges, valves, regulators) with a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while achieving better control.
4Duration of action of moving object
If compressed gas cartridges operate over time, then continuous delivery is possible, but the pressure continuously decreases affecting consistent user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The electric pump system operates continuously with controlled intervals, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the procedure. Unlike cartridges that naturally decay, the pump can replenish and maintain pressure levels, ensuring continuous and reliable delivery experience from start to finish of the procedure.
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 electrostatic guide system ensures precise delivery of hemostat material to the intended area, reducing waste and procedural time, while maintaining consistent pressure over time, enhancing user control and reducing 'white-out' conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to surgical material flowing through the passageway
Implementation Method 2
a second electrode connected to the elongate insertion shaft configured to impart an electrical charge to tissue in contact with the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering surgical material comprises inserting a delivery device into an anatomic area, coupling a surgical material delivery system to the delivery device, the surgical material delivery system having a reservoir of surgical material, positioning an anatomic electrode relative to the anatomic area, applying a first charge to the anatomic electrode, dispensing surgical material from the delivery device, applying a second charge to surgical material leaving the delivery device opposite the first charge, and delivering charged surgical material to the anatomic area proximate the anatomic electrode via a directional-oriented electrostatic field. A surgical system comprises an insertion shaft comprising a passageway and a discharge opening, a first electrode connected to the insertion shaft configured to impart electrical charge to surgical material flowing through the passageway, and a second electrode connected to the insertion shaft configured to impart electrical charge to tissue in contact with the second electrode.