Gas Insufflator Microprocessor Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colon insufflators face difficulties in maintaining effective distension during CT colonoscopy due to varying colon preparation methods, leading to incomplete 3D imaging and patient discomfort from constant high pressure, which increases the risk of spasm, perforation, and diagnostic inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A gas insufflator with a microprocessor-controlled device that adjusts pressure based on colon cleanliness, allowing for temporary, controlled excess pressures to overcome obstructions and prevent prolonged high pressures, featuring user-selectable configurations and an 'unblock' key for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher pressure is applied to insufflate colons with poor preparation, then distension effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort and risk of spasm/perforation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insufflator dynamically adjusts pressure in real-time based on colon distension feedback, transitioning from high initial pressure to lower maintenance pressure. The system automatically reduces pressure when distension targets are achieved, preventing constant high pressure exposure that causes patient discomfort and spasm risk while maintaining effective distension throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic pressure cycles with phases of high pressure for overcoming obstructions and low pressure for maintenance. The insufflator alternates between pressure elevation to push through stool/liquid blockages and pressure reduction to allow patient comfort and prevent spasm, creating a rhythmic pressure pattern that balances effectiveness with safety.
2Reliability
If constant high pressure is maintained to ensure complete distension, then distension reliability is improved, but colon spasm and collapsed segments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insufflator continuously monitors colon distension status and uses this feedback to adjust pressure levels. When distension is sufficient, the system automatically reduces pressure to prevent spasm, and when obstructions are detected, it increases pressure temporarily to overcome them. This closed-loop control ensures complete distension while minimizing spasm risk through real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically throughout the procedure, starting with high pressure to ensure complete distension and then transitioning to lower pressure for maintenance. The insufflator modifies pressure based on colon response, using parameter variation to achieve distension completeness while preventing the harmful effects of sustained high pressure.
3Productivity
If pressure is increased to overcome liquid and stool obstructions, then insufflation progress is improved, but risk of perforation in pathological areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insufflator dynamically responds to resistance encountered during insufflation by temporarily increasing pressure only when obstructions are detected, then immediately reducing pressure once the obstruction is overcome. This dynamic pressure adjustment allows the system to maintain insufflation progress through stool and liquid while minimizing sustained high pressure exposure that could cause perforation in vulnerable pathological areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements brief, intense pressure pulses to rapidly overcome obstructions and move through difficult segments, then immediately returns to low pressure. This 'skip' strategy allows the insufflator to quickly push through liquid and stool blockages to maintain productivity while limiting the duration of high pressure exposure to prevent perforation in pathological areas.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The insufflator comprises a control device (3) for at least one valve (13) supplying gas at pressure through a supply conduit (11) and at least one valve (14) for releasing pressure in said supply conduit (11); and a pressure meter (16) (11). Said control device (3) comprises: a) - a microprocessor (31) which is programmed with a series of operating configurations, each configuration including parameters relative to a "normal" pressure of the gas; at least one allowable value of excess pressure, and predetermined periods of time for the automatic releasing of the excess pressure; b) - a user interface (32) for entering the parameters of each configuration and for the selection and activation of the configuration to be used.