Endoscopic Suction Device Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic suction devices often clog when dealing with heavy or thick fluids, leading to extended procedure times and potential repeat intubation, as they rely on integral trumpet valves and suction lines that are prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A direct suction device is designed for installation on the biopsy port of an endoscope, utilizing a biopsy valve connector, flow control valve, and suction source connector, which are less susceptible to clogging and allow for remote operation, incorporating a flexible tubing system and optional irrigation for effective material removal without relying on the endoscope's air/water line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suction line and trumpet valve are used, then the device is integrated with the endoscope, but the suction line clogs when heavy or thick fluids are repetitively suctioned
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is segmented from the endoscope's integral suction system. A separate suction catheter with its own control valve is introduced, allowing independent operation from the endoscope's trumpet valves. This segmentation enables the suction component to be optimized specifically for handling heavy or thick fluids without being constrained by the endoscope's integrated design limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
A suction control valve serves as an intermediary component between the endoscope and the suction source. This intermediate device provides a dedicated control mechanism that regulates suction flow independently of the endoscope's integral valves, enabling better control over suction of viscous materials and preventing clogging at the trumpet valve interface.
2Productivity
If suction line clogs during procedure, then material removal is effective, but procedure time is extended due to cleaning or repeat intubation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction control valve is pre-positioned and pre-configured before the procedure begins. By having the suction control system ready and accessible from the start, the physician can immediately respond to clogging situations without needing to reconfigure equipment or perform setup steps during the procedure, thereby maintaining productivity and preventing time extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate suction control valve enables the physician to independently manage suction flow and clear clogs without requiring assistance or interruption of the procedure. The self-contained suction control system allows the physician to adjust suction parameters in real-time to maintain continuous operation, eliminating the need for procedure extension due to cleaning or repeat intubation.
3Ease of operation
If integral trumpet valves are used for suction control, then the device is easy to operate, but the valves are prone to clogging with heavy fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The suction control function is extracted from the endoscope's integral trumpet valve system and placed into a separate, dedicated suction control valve. This extracted component can be specifically designed with features optimized for handling heavy or thick fluids, such as larger lumens or specialized valve mechanisms, while maintaining ease of operation through its dedicated control interface.
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 solution effectively prevents clogging, allows for efficient suction of heavy or thick fluids during procedures without extending procedure time, and is designed for one-time use, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-operate solution for endoscopic material evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device for evacuating blood clots or other materials from an endoscopic work site
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.