Endoscopic Rinsing Solution Detection via Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic interventions risk patient harm due to the incorrect use of rinsing solutions, which can lead to local skin burns or ineffective current conduction, as the distinction between saline and electrolyte-free solutions is not reliably monitored, often resulting in mix-ups during high-frequency applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a measuring apparatus to detect material characteristics of the rinsing solution, such as conductivity, capacitive, optical, and acoustic measurements, to differentiate between saline and electrolyte-free solutions, ensuring the correct solution is used by emitting a warning signal or interrupting the power supply if an unsuitable solution is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring of rinsing solution type is performed by surgical staff, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but the reliability of preventing incorrect solution use is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical monitoring system with an automated electrical measurement system. A measuring apparatus equipped with electrodes detects the electrical conductivity of the rinsing solution automatically, substituting human visual inspection and manual verification with an objective electrical measurement process that continuously monitors solution type without adding significant operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the rinsing solution itself provides the measurement signal. The electrodes directly contact the solution and automatically detect its electrical properties, allowing the solution to 'identify itself' without requiring external intervention or complex sample preparation procedures
2Measurement precision
If electrical conductivity measurement is used to distinguish rinsing solution types, then the measurement precision is high, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to requiring specialized measuring apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures a fundamental physical parameter (electrical conductivity) that inherently differs between rinsing solution types. By selecting this parameter for measurement, the system achieves high precision in distinguishing solutions without requiring complex measurement procedures, as conductivity is a direct physical property that can be measured with relatively simple electrical circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrodes as an intermediary between the rinsing solution and the measurement system. These electrodes serve as a simple interface that converts the electrical conductivity property of the solution into a measurable electrical signal, bridging the gap between the liquid solution and the electronic measurement apparatus without requiring direct complex interaction
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 reliably prevents patient harm by accurately identifying the type of rinsing solution and preventing the use of unsuitable solutions during endoscopic interventions, minimizing the risk of incorrect current conduction and ensuring safe treatment by automatically warning the surgical staff or interrupting hazardous power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one material characteristic of the rinsing solution is detected by means of a measuring apparatus... a conductivity measurement... is performed by the measuring apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive measurement of the rinsing solution is/are performed by the measuring apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying rinsing solution during endoscopic interventions. The method including: conveying a rinsing solution by means of a rinsing solution pump from a rinsing solution supply to an endoscopic instrument to be introduced into the body cavity of a patient; and detecting at least one material characteristic of the rinsing solution by means of a measuring apparatus.