Foot-Operated Mechanical Flushing Device for IVF Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rinsing devices for egg cell retrieval in IVF and IVM procedures face challenges such as large dead volume in single-lumen systems and increased pain due to larger diameters in double-lumen needles, requiring complex setups and auxiliary personnel for sequential flushing and suction cycles.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated, mechanical drive device connected to a piston syringe or infusion bag within a holding device allows for precise, independent operation by the reproductive medicine specialist, enabling sequential flushing and suction without auxiliary assistance, using a push rod and locking element for controlled rinsing liquid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single-lumen puncture needle is used, then the outer diameter can be kept small (1.2 mm or 1.8 gauge), but the dead volume from the cannula tip to the three-way valve becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The puncture device is divided into separate functional segments: a puncture needle for egg cell retrieval, a collection container for receiving the punctate, and a separate rinsing device for flushing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the needle remains thin-gauge while the rinsing function is added separately without increasing needle diameter or dead volume.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate rinsing device acts as an intermediary between the puncture needle and the flushing function. Instead of integrating the rinsing channel directly into the needle (which would increase dead volume), the rinsing device connects to the collection container or proximal end of the needle, providing flushing capability while minimizing the dead volume within the needle itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double-lumen puncture needle is used, then rinsing and suction can be performed simultaneously, but the outer diameter increases to mostly 1.6 mm making egg cell puncture much more painful
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the puncture function (single-lumen needle) from the rinsing function (separate rinsing device), allowing the needle to remain thin-gauge for patient comfort while still enabling sequential flushing and suction operations through coordinated use of the separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinsing device enables periodic flushing cycles where the rinsing agent is delivered in controlled amounts to the follicle, followed by suction phases. This periodic action allows thorough rinsing without requiring a larger continuous-bore needle, maintaining patient comfort while achieving complete egg cell retrieval.
3Ease of operation
If manual or electric motor activation of the flushing syringe is used, then rinsing can be performed, but auxiliary personnel are required and the doctor cannot directly control pressure and filling speed
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing device is designed to be self-operating through a foot-activated mechanical drive device. The doctor can independently control the rinsing operation using foot movements, eliminating the need for auxiliary personnel to manually operate the syringe while maintaining direct control over pressure and filling speed through the mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electric motor activation with a mechanical foot-operated drive device. This mechanical substitution allows the doctor to directly control the rinsing function through foot movements, providing hands-free operation during ultrasound monitoring while eliminating the need for complex electrical systems or auxiliary personnel.
4Productivity
If a three-way valve system is used for sequential flushing and suction, then the function can be achieved, but the doctor must switch the valve position and activate the syringe separately, requiring auxiliary assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The rinsing device merges the flushing function with the existing puncture and suction system by connecting the rinsing agent container to the collection container or needle proximal end. This integration allows the doctor to control both the valve positioning and rinsing activation through the foot-operated device, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining efficient sequential flushing and suction cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot-operated mechanical drive device acts as an intermediary that coordinates both the valve positioning and rinsing syringe activation. By transmitting foot movements to control both functions simultaneously, the system enables hands-free operation during ultrasound monitoring while maintaining the efficiency of sequential flushing and suction operations.
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 efficient, precise, and pain-reduced egg cell retrieval by allowing the doctor to control pressure and filling speed directly, with an optical or acoustic signal for refilling reminders, enabling hands-free manipulation during ultrasound monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical drive device has a foot rocker which is non-positively connected via a cable pull element or a flexible drive shaft to the holding device for the detergent container designed as a piston syringe
Implementation Method 2
the cable of the cable pull element is connected to a push rod which is slidably mounted in the holding device and which moves a driver element which acts on the piston of the piston syringe in the direction of the piston of the piston syringe, and that the driver element has a locking element which a pumping movement of the foot rocker creates a non-positive connection to the push rod and releases it when the push rod moves in the opposite direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a flushing device for a puncture device (1) with a flushing line (9) and a puncture cannula (2), preferably for the retrieval of oocytes for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with a flushing agent container (10) for receiving a flushing agent, which can be connected to the flushing line (9). According to the invention, the flushing agent container (10) is fixed in a holding device (30) which is connected to a foot-operated, mechanical drive device (31) for the metered delivery of the flushing agent.