Flow Diverter Sealing Strap for Endoscope Aerosol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic procedures pose a risk of aerosol transmission of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 due to aerosolization from endoscope devices, and existing methods require personal protective equipment (PPE) or are inadequate in preventing gas leakage, leading to potential infections for operators and assistants.
Innovation Solution
A flow diverter device with a removably securable body and cavity, equipped with a sealing strap, is designed to divert and prevent aerosolization by attaching to endoscope buttons, creating a gas-tight seal to redirect gas flows away from the user and into a suction channel or filter, thereby minimizing exposure to infectious particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flow diverter device with sealing strap is attached to endoscope buttons, then aerosolization is prevented and gas flow is redirected away from users, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter device is divided into separate modular components: a body portion that covers the endoscope button, a sealing strap that attaches to the endoscope shaft, and an optional suction channel connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system effectiveness in preventing aerosol transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing strap acts as an intermediary element between the flow diverter body and the endoscope shaft, creating a secure attachment that forms a gas-tight seal. This intermediary component enables the diversion of gas flow without requiring direct modification to the endoscope itself, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PPE is used to protect against aerosol transmission, then operator safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter device extracts and contains the aerosol-generating source at the endoscope button level, preventing contaminated gas from reaching the operator's breathing zone. By addressing the hazard at its source rather than relying on protective barriers around the operator, the device maintains operator comfort while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the potentially harmful gas flow that would otherwise be directed toward the operator into a beneficial controlled flow that is redirected away from the user and through a suction channel. This transformation eliminates the need for PPE while maintaining operator safety and comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing methods are used to prevent gas leakage, then aerosol spread is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inadequate sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing strap is designed to be attached to the endoscope shaft before the procedure begins, establishing a secure baseline attachment. The flow diverter body is then positioned over the button, and the sealing strap is tightened to form a gas-tight seal. This preliminary action ensures reliable sealing is in place before aerosol generation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing strap is constructed as a flexible component that can conform to the cylindrical shape of the endoscope shaft, creating an effective gas-tight seal. This flexible design allows for reliable sealing while accommodating variations in endoscope diameter and maintaining attachment security throughout the procedure.
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 reduces aerosol transmission risks by creating a controlled environment for endoscopic procedures, allowing for safe operation while maintaining full functionality of the endoscope, thus protecting healthcare workers from infectious pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
the flow diverter can have a body and a cavity. When the body is removably secured to the medical device and when a flow of gas flows from the medical device into the cavity, the flow of gas can be divertible from a first direction to a second direction
Implementation Method 2
equipped with a sealing strap, is designed to divert and prevent aerosolization by attaching to endoscope buttons, creating a gas-tight seal to redirect gas flows
Implementation Method 3
redirect gas flows away from the user and into a suction channel or filter
Data Source
AI summary
A flow diverter is disclosed. The flow diverter can be removably securable to a medical device. The flow diverter can have a body and a cavity. When the body is removably secured to the medical device and when a flow of gas flows from the medical device into the cavity, the flow of gas can be divertible from a first direction to a second direction, and/or when the body is removably secured to the medical device and when the flow of gas flows from the medical device into the cavity, the flow of gas can be divertible out of the cavity.