Fluid Collecting Sheath for Endoscope Fluid Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscopic tissue resection procedures, fluid leakage from the uterus can occur, leading to fluid dripping onto the physician or floor, posing a hazard due to pressure differentials and the lack of effective fluid collection systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid collecting sheath system is designed for endoscopic devices, featuring fluid collecting apertures, a channel for engaging the endoscope shaft, and a fluid line with a collection vessel, which can be secured to the endoscope and includes a vacuum source to draw fluid, directing it away from the surgical site and into a collection vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If no fluid collection system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but fluid leaks onto the physician or floor creating a hazard
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid collecting sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the uterus and the external environment. The sheath includes fluid collecting apertures at its distal end that capture leaking fluid, and a channel that directs the fluid away from the surgical site through a fluid line to a collection vessel, thereby preventing fluid from reaching the physician or floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection system is segmented into distinct functional components: fluid collecting apertures for capturing fluid, a channel for transporting fluid, a fluid line for conveying fluid away from the site, and a collection vessel for receiving fluid. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
2Reliability
If a fluid collection system is added, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collecting sheath is integrated with the endoscope system, with the sheath configured to operably engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope by passing the shaft through an opening in the channel. The fluid line is in fluid communication with the fluid collecting apertures, creating a merged system that collects fluid while maintaining coordination with the endoscope's positioning and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collecting sheath serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to prevent fluid leakage, provides a collection mechanism through apertures, directs fluid away via the channel and fluid line, and integrates with the endoscope system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid collecting sheath is fixedly engaged to the endoscope, then the sheath and endoscope move in concert improving control, but the ease of insertion and removal may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the fluid collecting sheath and the endoscope shaft is designed to be dynamic rather than permanently fixed. The sheath can be inserted over the shaft and engaged during the procedure to move in concert with the endoscope, providing coordinated control during surgery. The engagement allows for controlled movement together while still permitting removal when needed, balancing operational coordination with ease of installation and removal.
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 effectively captures and directs leaking fluid away from the surgical area, reducing hazards and maintaining a clear working space by integrating with the endoscope and using negative pressure to collect fluid through the fluid collecting apertures and channel.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the fluid line. The vacuum source applies negative pressure to the fluid collecting apertures to draw fluid through the fluid line.
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum source applies negative pressure to the fluid collecting apertures to draw fluid through the fluid line.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an endoscope defining a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated shaft extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the endoscope. A fluid collecting sheath defines a proximal end and a distal end. The fluid collecting sheath is configured for insertion into a vaginal opening. The fluid collecting sheath includes fluid collecting apertures defined at the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. A fluid line is in fluid communication with the fluid collecting apertures. A channel is formed in the fluid collecting sheath. The channel extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. The channel defines an opening therein. The channel of the fluid collecting sheath is configured to operably engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope by passing the elongated shaft of the endoscope through the opening of the channel.