Fluid Perfusion Apparatus Backflow Control for Stone Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stone collection systems face issues with stones becoming trapped in suction conduits, leading to pipe obstruction, as they are not effectively prevented from snagging and cannot immediately remove snagged stones during the stone collection process in medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A fluid perfusion apparatus and method that includes a suction conduit, a suction source, a suction control apparatus, and a control circuit to reverse the fluid flow after a predetermined period of suction at a first velocity, generating a backflow and then increasing the suction velocity to remove any snagged stones, detected by flow rate or pressure abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous suction is performed at a constant flow velocity to collect stones, then stone collection efficiency is maintained, but stones become trapped in the suction conduit leading to obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone collection efficiencyVSAvoidsuction conduit patency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction flow is operated periodically with alternating phases: a suction phase at first flow velocity for stone collection, followed by a backflow phase in reverse direction, then a re-suction phase at second (higher) flow velocity. This periodic variation prevents stones from becoming trapped while maintaining overall collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily reverses the suction flow direction to create a backflow phase. This inversion of flow direction dislodges trapped stones from the suction conduit and prevents obstruction, allowing the system to maintain reliability during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If suction flow velocity is increased to prevent stone trapping, then conduit obstruction is reduced, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit obstruction preventionVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

High velocity suction is applied only during the re-suction phase after backflow has cleared the conduit, not during continuous suction. This periodic application of high velocity reduces tissue damage risk while maintaining conduit patency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The backflow phase is performed preliminarily before the high-velocity re-suction phase to clear trapped stones from the conduit. This preliminary action prevents stone trapping before high-velocity suction begins, allowing safe use of higher velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If backflow is continuously performed to prevent stone trapping, then conduit patency is maintained, but stone collection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit patencyVSAvoidstone collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow operation is performed periodically in alternating phases with suction phases, not continuously. This allows the system to maintain conduit patency through regular backflow while preserving stone collection efficiency during the suction phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Prevents stones from becoming trapped in suction conduits and allows for immediate removal of snagged stones, ensuring continuous and efficient stone collection without pipe obstruction, thereby maintaining perfusion flow and reducing procedural complications.

Implementation Method 1

a suction source connected to the suction conduit and configured to suction the fluid at a first flow velocity via the suction conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the control circuit is configured to perform control for reversing the flow of the fluid that is suctioned via inside the suction conduit by the suction control apparatus, to generate a backflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackflow:

Data Source

PatentUS20240032950A1Fluid perfusion apparatus and fluid perfusion method

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A fluid perfusion apparatus includes: a suction conduit for suctioning a fluid from inside a living body; a suction source connected to the suction conduit and configured to suction the fluid at a first flow velocity via the suction conduit; a suction control apparatus connected to the suction conduit and configured to control a flow of the fluid suctioned via the suction conduit; and a control circuit configured to control the suction control apparatus. The control circuit performs control for reversing the flow of the fluid suctioned via inside the suction conduit by the suction control apparatus, to generate a backflow, after controlling suction at the first flow velocity by the suction source for a predetermined period of time and to cause the suction control apparatus to perform re-suction at a second flow velocity greater than the first flow velocity after continuing the backflow for the predetermined period of time.