Endoscope-Attached Coolant Delivery With Disposable Cartridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryoprobes require large, non-portable pressurized coolant tanks and separate control units, necessitating complex setups that are inconvenient for surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable coolant delivery device attachable to an endoscope, utilizing a disposable coolant cartridge and a single-handed actuation mechanism, integrating with the endoscope for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large pressurized coolant tanks are used, then sufficient coolant supply is ensured, but device portability and footprint are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coolant delivery into modular components: a reusable control unit and disposable coolant cartridges containing pre-measured coolant quantities (e.g., 50ml, 100ml). This segmentation eliminates large pressurized tanks while ensuring sufficient coolant supply through cartridge replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable coolant cartridges that contain pre-filled coolant and are discarded after use. This eliminates the need for large reusable pressurized tanks and complex refill procedures, improving portability while maintaining adequate coolant supply for surgical procedures.
2Ease of operation
If separate control unit is used, then precise coolant flow control is achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and coolant delivery system are merged into an integrated device. The control unit houses both the coolant cartridge and the actuation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate control equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to be attachable to different endoscope types and configurations, providing universal functionality. The single integrated unit handles both endoscope control and coolant delivery, reducing the number of separate devices needed.
3Ease of operation
If dual-handed operation is required, then precise control of endoscope and coolant delivery is achieved, but surgical efficiency and ergonomics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control handle integrates both endoscope manipulation controls and coolant delivery actuation into a single ergonomic unit. This merging allows the surgeon to operate both functions with one hand, improving surgical efficiency while maintaining control precision through carefully positioned controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism uses a trigger or button positioned in a dimensionally optimal location on the handle, allowing intuitive single-handed actuation. The control interface is designed in three-dimensional space to be easily accessible while maintaining precise control over coolant flow rate and duration.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and ergonomic coolant delivery directly from a disposable cartridge, reducing the need for large tanks and separate control units, allowing single-handed operation during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the coolant rapidly vaporizes. As the liquid coolant vaporizes, heat from the cryoprobe tip is absorbed, lowering the temperature at the tip
Implementation Method 2
heat from the cryoprobe tip is absorbed, lowering the temperature at the tip
Implementation Method 3
Temperatures of tissues in contact with the tip are subsequently lowered, thereby freezing and destroying the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant delivery device configured to be attachable to an endoscope, the coolant delivery device including a coolant component and an attachment mechanism. The coolant component having a coolant component body configured to removably connect to a coolant source, the coolant source containing a coolant. The coolant component body defining a fluid path from the coolant source to an outlet of the coolant component body. The coolant component includes an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the coolant component body and configured to control flow of the coolant from the coolant source. The attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the coolant component to the endoscope.