Single-Handle Foam Generator for Medical Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing foam for injection into patients during medical procedures, such as treating varicose veins, are prone to leaks due to improper connections and require bilateral operation, leading to operator fatigue and difficulty in generating sufficiently viscous foam.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first and second housing with a biasing member and a handle that allows for single-handed operation, using a valve to control the connection between the chambers and a biasing mechanism to generate foam by alternating the liquid and gas between the chambers, preventing leaks and reducing operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two individual syringes with Luer connections and stopcock are used to prepare foam, then foam can be generated by agitating liquid sclerosing agent with air, but the system may leak if proper mating or torquing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate syringes into a single integrated device with a unified chamber and plunger system. The liquid sclerosing agent and air are mixed within the same chamber, eliminating the need for Luer connections and stopcock between separate components. This integration directly resolves the leakage issue by removing the connection interfaces that were prone to improper mating or torquing.
2Ease of operation
If dual syringes are used to generate foam, then foam can be produced, but the operator must use both hands to depress plungers, preventing other operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate plunger operations into a single plunger that performs both functions. The unified plunger simultaneously controls the introduction of liquid sclerosing agent and air into the chamber, allowing the operator to generate foam with one hand while keeping the other hand free for additional operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied to repeatedly depress syringe plungers to exchange sclerosing agent, then foam can be generated with sufficient viscosity, but operator fatigue occurs and pressure is difficult to repeat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a periodic reciprocating motion of the single plunger that alternates between introducing liquid sclerosing agent and air into the chamber. This rhythmic back-and-forth action creates consistent foam mixing without requiring sustained high pressure, reducing operator fatigue while maintaining repeatable foam viscosity through the regular cyclic operation.
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 device provides a leak-free, single-handed method for generating foam, reducing operator fatigue and ensuring consistent viscosity for effective injection, enhancing the efficiency of minimally invasive medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (56) positioned within the second housing (16) and biased toward the first end portion (54) of the second housing (16)
Implementation Method 2
depressing a portion of the handle (22) to move the handle (22) from a first position to a second position and bias the first movable member (32) toward a first end portion (44) of the first housing (14) to force a liquid out of the first chamber (15) and into the second chamber (17)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for preparing foam are provided. The device includes a first housing having a first chamber therein and a first movable member positioned at least partially within the first housing. The device also includes a second housing having a second chamber therein, the second chamber being selectively and operably connectable to the first chamber. The second housing further includes a biasing member and a second movable member therein, the biasing member biasing the movable member toward a first end portion of the second housing. The device includes a valve operably connected to the first chamber and the second chamber and movably positionable to selectively control the connection between the first chamber and the second chamber and a handle operably connected to the first movable member and movable to bias the first movable member toward a first end portion of the first housing.