Fluid Management Device for Endoscopic Fluid Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems during endoscopic procedures for uterine fibroid resection face challenges with fluid uptake, leading to potential complications due to the inability to differentiate between ionic and non-ionic fluids, resulting in varying safe limits for intravasation, which can cause serious issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management device and method utilizing electrodes and a controller to determine the type of fluid (ionic or non-ionic) based on capacitance measurements, setting distinct alarm thresholds for each type to prevent excessive fluid deficit and intravasation, incorporating a capacitance-measuring module and weight-measuring device to monitor fluid loss and prevent fluid pumping when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fluid is administered through the hysteroscope to distend the uterine cavity, then a working space is created for the procedure, but fluid uptake through blood vessels causes harmful intravasation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the distension fluid by using non-ionic fluids (such as glycine, sorbitol, or mannitol solutions) instead of ionic fluids like normal saline. This parameter change reduces the osmotic gradient between the fluid and blood, thereby minimizing fluid uptake through blood vessels and reducing harmful intravasation while maintaining adequate working space volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (non-ionic distension fluid) that mediates between the need for cavity distension and the risk of fluid uptake. The non-ionic fluid acts as a safer intermediary that provides the necessary working space while its chemical properties reduce the harmful effects of intravasation compared to traditional ionic fluids
2Ease of manufacture
If ionic fluid is used for distension, then fluid is readily available and inexpensive, but higher fluid deficit thresholds are needed due to greater safe intravasation limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ionic composition parameter of the distension fluid from ionic (normal saline) to non-ionic (glycine, sorbitol, or mannitol solutions). This parameter change fundamentally alters the fluid's interaction with blood vessels, reducing safe intravasation limits and therefore lowering the fluid deficit thresholds that trigger alarms, even though these fluids are equally available and inexpensive
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-ionic fluid is used for distension, then fluid uptake is reduced, but lower fluid deficit alarm thresholds must be set to ensure safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter to use non-ionic fluids, which reduces fluid uptake through blood vessels. However, this same parameter change requires the system to implement lower fluid deficit alarm thresholds (e.g., 1 liter or less) to compensate for the reduced safety margin, creating a trade-off that the control system must manage through adjusted monitoring parameters
4Reliability
If fluid management system monitors fluid levels continuously, then fluid loss is detected early, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with electronic sensors and a microprocessor-based control system. The system uses electronic fluid level sensors, weight sensors, and capacitance-measuring electrodes connected to a microprocessor that automatically calculates fluid deficit and triggers alarms, providing reliable continuous monitoring while reducing mechanical complexity through electronic integration
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically calculating fluid deficit based on sensor inputs, comparing it against predefined thresholds, and triggering alarms without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring fluid levels, outflow, and capacitance changes, and autonomously determines when safety thresholds are exceeded
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 solution effectively manages fluid levels during procedures by differentiating between ionic and non-ionic fluids, setting appropriate alarm thresholds, and preventing excessive fluid loss, thereby reducing the risk of complications and ensuring safer operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the controller may be configured to receive signals from the pair of electrodes and determine whether a fluid in a fluid reservoir is an ionic fluid or a non-ionic fluid based on signals received from the pair of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for fluid management in an endoscopic procedure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid management device may comprise a pair of electrodes and a controller connected to the pair of electrodes. In at least some embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive signals from the pair of electrodes and determine whether a fluid in a fluid reservoir is an ionic fluid or a non-ionic fluid based on signals received from the pair of electrodes. In at least some additional embodiments, the controller may be further configured to automatically set a fluid deficit alarm threshold based on the determination of whether the fluid in the fluid reservoir is an ionic fluid or a non-ionic fluid.