Flexible Vacuum Suction Device for Surgical Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing blood and fluids during surgery, such as using absorbent gauzes, are inefficient and can lead to prolonged surgery times, accidental retention of gauzes, and risks of trauma or airway obstruction, as they require frequent replacement and can be intrusive when used with suction devices.
Innovation Solution
A flexible vacuum-assisted device with sterile tubing and a permeable absorbent covering, configured into a loop with holes along its circumference, which is attached to a vacuum system to automatically evacuate fluids from the surgical site without saturation, allowing continuous operation and minimizing the risk of collecting non-fluid materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If absorbent gauzes are used to remove blood and fluids during surgery, then fluid absorption is achieved, but surgery time is prolonged due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device maintains continuous fluid removal through an open-ended tube connected to a vacuum source, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of saturated gauzes. The continuous suction action keeps the surgical field clear throughout the procedure without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fluid removal function from the passive absorbent gauze and implements it through an active suction system with a tube and vacuum source, separating the absorption function from the removal function to enable continuous operation.
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent gauzes are placed around the incisioned area, then blood is absorbed, but there is a risk of accidental retention of gauzes inside the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the gauze material from the fluid absorption process and replaces it with a tube-based suction system. This extraction of the problematic element (gauze) eliminates the risk of accidental retention while maintaining fluid removal capability through the open-ended tube.
3Productivity
If conventional suction devices are used, then fluid removal is achieved, but trauma or airway obstruction risks increase due to intrusive operation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is designed to be positioned locally at the surgical site with the open-ended tube allowing selective suction of fluids without intrusive contact with surrounding tissues. The local application of suction minimizes trauma while maintaining effective fluid removal from the incisioned area.
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 device effectively and continuously removes fluids from the surgical site, reducing surgery duration, minimizing the risk of gauze-related complications, and maintaining a clear airway while preventing fluid accumulation and coagulation, thus enhancing surgical safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
engaging the vacuum system to a negative pressure in the tubing, causing any fluids in the absorbent covering to be automatically evacuated into the one or more sets of the plurality of holes of the tubing into the vacuum system
Implementation Method 2
a sterile absorbent covering encompassing the one or more sets of the plurality of holes, the covering being permeable to bodily fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A siphoning device suited for automatically removing fluid/blood from a surgical site is described, having a length of sterile flexible tubing that is configurable into a loop, the tubing having a first open end, a second open end, and a central portion. A plurality of holes punctuate the circumference of either the first open end or the central portion of the loop, the one or more sets of holes being distributed along a longitudinal direction of the tubing. A sterile absorbent covering encompasses the one or more sets of the plurality of holes, the covering being permeable to bodily fluids. The siphoning device is connected to a vacuum system that generates a negative pressure, causing fluids that have accumulated in the absorbent covering to be withdrawn into the vacuum system. Accordingly, a durable, simple non-gauze system for automatically clearing blood/fluid from a surgical site is described.