Gravity Powder Delivery System for Endoscopic Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry hemostatic powders often agglomerate, making it difficult to deliver them effectively through an endoscope to internal patient sites, leading to potential blockages and the need for continuous delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that deliver dry, flowable medicinal powder into a gas flow stream by gravity within a body of the apparatus, creating a bolus of powder and air that becomes uniformly distributed as it passes through an elongated delivery tube inserted into a patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dry hemostatic powders are delivered through an endoscope, then internal patient sites can be treated, but the powder agglomerates and blocks the lumen
Solution Approach 1:
A gravity-fed powder delivery system with a funnel-shaped chamber and flow control valve serves as an intermediary device between the powder source and the delivery lumen. The funnel geometry and gravity-based flow mechanism prevent powder agglomeration by maintaining continuous, controlled flow into the gas stream, eliminating blockages while enabling reliable internal site treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a gas stream (pneumatic carrier) to transport the hemostatic powder through the delivery catheter. The powder is introduced into the flowing gas stream where it is carried to the treatment site, preventing agglomeration through continuous gas flow and enabling delivery through narrow lumens without blockage
2Reliability
If hemostatic powder is applied to stop bleeding, then blood loss is reduced, but continuous delivery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-fed powder reservoir is pre-loaded with sufficient hemostatic powder to deliver a complete therapeutic dose. The flow control valve and gravity-based delivery system are designed to maintain continuous powder flow throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for repeated refilling or intermittent delivery interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous powder delivery through a gravity-fed reservoir connected to a flow control valve that regulates steady powder flow into the gas stream. This continuous action ensures uninterrupted hemostatic coverage without requiring repeated manual intervention or refilling 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
This approach ensures a smooth and effective delivery of hemostatic or other medicinal powders to internal sites, preventing agglomeration and blockages, and allowing for precise application with minimal invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus deliver dry, flowable medicinal powder into a gas flow stream by gravity delivery within a body of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
The hemostatic powder is then carried with the gas out of the apparatus into an elongated delivery tube
Implementation Method 3
Delivery of the powder into the gas flow stream creates a bolus of powder and air which becomes more uniformly distributed as it passes through the elongated delivery tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus deliver dry, flowable hemostatic powder into a gas flow stream by gravity delivery within a body of the apparatus. The hemostatic powder is then carried with the gas out of the apparatus into an elongated delivery tube inserted into a patient. Delivery of the powder into the gas flow stream creates a bolus of powder and air which becomes more uniformly distributed as it passes through the elongated delivery tube.