Fluid Management Console Two-Stage Priming for Air Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems for flexible ureteroscopy and endoscopic procedures lack alternative configurations that facilitate efficient priming and fluid delivery, particularly in handling air bubbles that impair visibility during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage priming procedure is implemented, where the first stage removes air from the fluid cassette and tubing, and the second stage ensures complete removal of air from the outflow tubing, using a fluid management console with a controller that monitors pressure and initiates stages based on user input or pressure drops, with optional clamps to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single-stage priming procedure is used, then the setup time is longer and air bubbles may remain in the fluid pathway, but the system complexity and number of control stages are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The priming procedure is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage that removes air from the fluid cassette and tubing by pumping fluid, and a second stage that ensures complete air removal from the outflow tubing by monitoring pressure drops. This segmentation allows each stage to focus on specific air removal tasks, improving overall efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors pressure within the fluid pathway and uses this feedback to determine when to transition between priming stages. When pressure indicates adequate fluid filling in the first stage, the system automatically progresses to the second stage. This feedback mechanism enables automated, efficient priming without requiring manual intervention, reducing setup time while maintaining controlled complexity.
2Reliability
If air is not completely removed from the fluid pathway, then the priming process is faster, but air bubbles impair visibility during medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary air removal in the first stage by pumping fluid through the fluid cassette and tubing before the second stage begins. This preliminary action removes the majority of air bubbles, and the second stage then completes the process by specifically targeting remaining air in the outflow tubing. This two-step preliminary action ensures complete air removal while maintaining efficient timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The priming process continues without interruption through both stages, with the controller continuously monitoring pressure and maintaining pump operation. The useful action of removing air and filling the fluid pathway is continuous, transitioning smoothly from the first stage to the second stage. This continuity ensures complete air removal while minimizing idle time, achieving both reliability and efficiency.
3Reliability
If manual priming is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the consistency and reliability of air removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The priming procedure is automated and self-regulating, with the controller monitoring pressure and automatically determining when to transition between stages. The system serves itself by using pressure feedback to control pump operation and stage transitions, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures consistent, reliable air removal while containing complexity within the automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors pressure within the fluid pathway and uses this feedback to automatically control the priming process. Pressure indicators trigger automatic stage transitions and pump operation adjustments, ensuring consistent and reliable air removal. This feedback mechanism provides automated control that maintains high reliability without requiring manual operation, managing complexity through intelligent automation.
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 two-stage priming process enhances procedural efficiency by reducing setup time and ensuring clear fluid pathways, minimizing air bubbles, and maintaining optimal fluid pressure and flow rates during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid management systems may be used to deliver fluid to an anatomical cite from a reservoir at a desired pressure and/or flowrate via a peristaltic or roller pump
Implementation Method 2
The controller of the fluid management console may be configured to perform a first stage of a priming procedure in response to a user input at the user input interface and a second stage of the priming procedure in response to a pressure drop within the fluid pathway of the fluid cassette
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system including a fluid management console and a fluid cassette configured to be received within the fluid management console. The console may comprise a housing, a controller housed within the housing, an inflow pump disposed within the housing, and a user input interface. The fluid cassette may comprise a housing defining a fluid pathway therethrough, an inflow tubing extending from the housing, and an outflow tubing extending from the housing. The controller of the fluid management console may be configured to perform a first stage of a priming procedure in response to a user input at the user input interface and a second stage of the priming procedure in response to a pressure drop within the fluid pathway of the fluid cassette.