Helical Calculus Removal Device for Ureteral Stone Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calculus removal methods, such as basket forceps, are limited in their ability to efficiently and safely remove multiple urinary stones and broken pieces due to gripping limitations and size constraints, leading to increased operation time, risk of infection, and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A calculus removing device featuring a helical rotatable portion with adjustable intervals that draws calculi and broken pieces into a storage portion for reliable and safe removal, reducing the need for repeated insertions and minimizing tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If basket forceps are used to grip and remove calculi, then calculi can be extracted from the urinary tract, but the number of calculi that can be removed in one operation is limited due to gripping function limitations and ureteral lumen size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting portion is divided into a storage portion for holding calculi and a helical rotatable portion for drawing calculi into the storage portion. This segmentation allows multiple calculi to be collected simultaneously rather than one at a time, resolving the contradiction between the number of calculi removed and operation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The helical rotatable portion is nested within the storage portion, creating a compact structure that can collect multiple calculi within the constrained space of the ureteral lumen. This nested design enables multiple calculi to be stored within the collecting portion without exceeding the size constraints of the ureteral access sheath
2Quantity of substance
If basket forceps insertion and retraction is performed multiple times to remove all calculi, then all calculi can be removed, but operation time increases and risk of infection and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple calculus removal functions are merged into a single device operation. The collecting portion with storage portion and helical rotatable portion enables multiple calculi to be collected and removed in one continuous operation rather than requiring multiple separate insertions and retraction cycles, thus reducing operation time while maintaining completeness of calculus removal
Solution Approach 2:
The helical rotatable portion continuously draws calculi into the storage portion during rotation, enabling continuous collection of multiple calculi without interrupting the removal process. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated insertion and retraction cycles, reducing operation time and minimizing infection risk
3Quantity of substance
If multiple calculi are gripped by basket forceps, then more calculi can be removed, but end surfaces of calculi expose from gaps between metallic wires and may damage inner walls of kidney and ureter or become stuck in ureteral access sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The helical rotatable portion dynamically rotates to draw calculi into the storage portion, providing active engagement rather than passive gripping. This dynamic mechanism ensures calculi are securely held within the storage portion during removal, preventing exposure of end surfaces that could damage tissues or become stuck in the ureteral access sheath
Solution Approach 2:
The storage portion acts as an intermediary between the helical rotatable portion and the ureteral access sheath. Calculi are first drawn into the storage portion, which provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between calculi end surfaces and the ureteral access sheath opening, eliminating the risk of calculi becoming stuck or damaging tissues
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 allows for efficient and safe removal of multiple calculi and broken pieces without damaging tissues, reducing operation time and infection risk, while enabling effective handling and pathological examination.
Implementation Method 1
a helical rotatable portion arranged in the storage portion and configured to move the calculi to a proximal end of the collecting portion while drawing the calculi into the storage portion via the opening in association with a rotation of the helical rotatable portion about an axial center line extending along a longitudinal direction of the rotatable portion
Data Source
AI summary
A calculus removing device includes a cylinder, a screw, and a hand-operated unit. The cylinder includes a storage portion configured to store calculi and broken calculus pieces, and an opening communicating with the storage portion. The screw is helically-shaped, is arranged in the storage portion and is configured to move the calculi to a proximal end of the cylinder while drawing the calculi into the storage portion thereof via the opening in association with the rotation of the cylinder about an axial line along a longitudinal direction of the cylinder. The hand-operated unit includes an operating member for rotating the screw.