Flexible-Sheet Fluid Cartridge for Stable Surgical Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in surgical procedures face challenges with poor fluid pressure control, pulsatile fluid flow, inadequate temperature control, manual fluid deficit monitoring, and inefficient suction regulation, leading to interruptions and biohazardous waste disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid management system with a pressure regulator, aspiration module, and deficit module that includes chambers and a flexible membrane to regulate pressure and vacuum, integrated suction control, and automated fluid deficit monitoring, enabling seamless fluid management during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gravity is used to provide fluid flow, then non-pulsatile flow is achieved, but fluid pressure control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure regulator acts as an intermediary device between the fluid supply bag and the surgical site. It includes a first chamber receiving fluid from the supply bag, a second chamber regulated to a target pressure, and a flexible membrane that moves in response to pressure differences to control fluid flow, thereby achieving both stable non-pulsatile flow and precise pressure control
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure cuffs or chambers are used to pressurize fluid, then non-pulsatile flow is achieved, but fluid pressure control is poor unless pressure is constantly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is configured to automatically self-regulate pressure without requiring constant external adjustment. The flexible membrane responds autonomously to pressure differences between chambers, and the system includes automated monitoring that adjusts pressure to maintain the target pressure level throughout the procedure
3Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used to pressurize fluid, then good pressure control is achieved, but pulsatile fluid flow impairs distention and visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the pulsatile component from the fluid flow by using a pressure regulator with a flexible membrane that smooths out pressure variations. The regulator receives pulsatile flow from a pump but outputs non-pulsatile flow by absorbing pressure fluctuations in the first chamber and releasing them gradually to the second chamber
4Measurement precision
If fluid collection canisters are used to collect returned fluid, then fluid deficit monitoring is enabled, but procedural interruptions occur when canisters become full
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is segmented into multiple canisters that can be independently filled and emptied. When one canister becomes full, the system automatically switches to the next canister without requiring procedural interruption, allowing continuous collection and monitoring of returned fluid throughout the entire procedure
5Temperature
If warming cabinets are used to pre-warm fluid bags, then fluid temperature control is improved, but fluid may become dangerously hot or cool to room temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid warming system incorporates temperature sensors and feedback control that continuously monitor fluid temperature and adjust heating accordingly. The system maintains temperature within a safe range by comparing actual temperature readings with target temperature and modulating heat application, preventing both overheating and inadequate warming
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 stable fluid distention, clear visualization, efficient fluid warming, and automated waste disposal, reducing procedural interruptions and enhancing surgical efficiency by integrating advanced pressure and suction regulation with automated monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure differential between the first chamber and the second chamber moves the flexible membrane between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for a fluid management system includes a rigid body; a first flexible side sheet attached to a first side of the rigid body such that the first flexible side sheet and the rigid body define a first fluid path; and a second flexible side sheet attached to the second side of the rigid body such that the second flexible side sheet and the rigid body define a second fluid path, wherein the cartridge is configured such that the fluid enters the cartridge at the first fluid path, flows into the second fluid path from the first fluid path, and exits the cartridge at an exit of the second fluid path, and wherein the first and second flexible side sheets are configured to expand and contract to reduce pulsations of fluid moving through the first and second fluid paths.