Fluid Circulation Sheath Filtration for Clearer Lithotripsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithotripsy procedures are hindered by stone dust pollution in the body cavity, which obstructs visualization and prolongs the procedure due to the need for fluid drainage and repeated bag changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system with a sheath containing a working, delivery, and removal lumen, coupled with a filtration device and circulation loop, utilizing sensors and pumps to manage fluid circulation and filtration, maintaining optimal pressure and removing contaminants efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluid is injected into the body cavity to drain stone dust, then visualization is improved, but procedure time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where fluid is continuously pumped through the body cavity, constantly flushing out stone dust particles. The circulation loop with reservoir, pump, and filtration system maintains uninterrupted fluid flow, ensuring continuous clear visualization without stopping the procedure to drain or replace bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system filters stone dust particles from the circulation fluid and recovers the clean fluid for continued use. The filtration device captures contaminants while allowing the majority of the fluid to be recycled back into the body cavity, reducing the need for continuous fluid replacement and minimizing procedure time.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If more fluid is added to promote drainage, then stone dust removal is improved, but procedure time is further prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of periodic fluid replacement, the system maintains continuous fluid circulation and filtration throughout the procedure. The pump operates continuously to flush stone dust, and the filtration system continuously removes particles, providing sustained contaminant removal without interruption for bag changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system recovers and recycles the majority of the fluid after filtering out stone dust particles. Only the filtered contaminants are discarded, while the clean fluid is returned to the body cavity, eliminating the need to discard and replace large volumes of fluid repeatedly.
3Productivity
If fluid circulation and filtration system is implemented, then stone dust removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: the pump provides fluid propulsion, the reservoir stores and supplies fluid, the filtration device removes contaminants, and the return line completes the circulation loop. This multi-functional integration achieves efficient stone dust removal while consolidating components to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sustaining during the procedure, with the pump automatically circulating fluid and the filtration device automatically removing particles without requiring manual intervention. The closed circulation loop maintains itself continuously, reducing the need for operator actions to replace fluids or manage multiple components.
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
Facilitates continuous procedure performance with clear visualization by recirculating fluid and contaminants, reducing operational time and material waste, while ensuring safe pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable with the controller to move the fluid from the fluid reservoir and into the body cavity through the delivery lumen
Implementation Method 2
a second pump operable with the controller to move the fluid and the particulate contained therein out of the body cavity through the removal lumen, through the filtration device, and back into the fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 3
through the filtration device
Implementation Method 4
The at least one sensor may include a pressure sensor, and the one or more parameters of the fluid may include a pressure of the fluid in the body cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Fluidic devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. One system may comprises a sheath, a delivery module, and a removal module. The sheath includes a working lumen, a delivery lumen, and a removal lumen. The delivery module is configured to move a fluid from a fluid reservoir and into a body cavity through the delivery lumen. The removal module is configured to move the fluid and a particulate contained therein out of the body cavity through the removal lumen, through a filtration device that removes the particulate, and back into the fluid reservoir. One method comprises placing a distal end of sheath into a body cavity, energizing the working lumen to generate a particulate in the cavity, moving the fluid into the cavity to engage the particulate, and moving the fluid and the contaminant from the body cavity, through a filter for removing the contaminant, and back into the fluid source.