Hybrid Peristaltic Pump Attachment for Simultaneous Irrigation and Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrosurgical systems with peristaltic pumps are limited to single-directional fluid flow, necessitating multiple pumps for multi-directional fluid control, which increases the number of components and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid peristaltic pump attachment that integrates multiple flexible tubes within a single pump, allowing simultaneous irrigation and suction by strategically orienting tubes to align with the rotor and rollers, enabling concurrent fluid flow in different directions using a single pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single peristaltic pump with a single tube is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid flow directionality is limited to single direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of pumpsVSAvoidfluid flow directionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single pump is segmented into multiple functional zones with multiple rollers (first roller, second roller, third roller, fourth roller) arranged circumferentially on the rotor. Each roller can independently compress different flexible tubes (first flexible tube, second flexible tube) to create multiple fluid flow paths in different directions from a single pump unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single peristaltic pump is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating multiple flexible tubes and rollers. The pump can simultaneously provide irrigation fluid flow through one tube and suction fluid flow through another tube, making one device universal for both irrigation and suction operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pumps are used for multi-directional fluid control, then the fluid flow directionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow directionalityVSAvoidnumber of pumps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pump functions are merged into a single peristaltic pump by integrating multiple flexible tubes and multiple rollers on a common rotor. The first flexible tube and second flexible tube are both compressed by rollers on the same rotor, combining what would traditionally require separate pumps into one unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds dimensional complexity to the rotor design by arranging rollers in a circumferential pattern that allows compression of multiple tubes simultaneously. This spatial arrangement in the rotational dimension enables multi-directional fluid control from a single pump axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the flexible tube is placed inside the pump, then the fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but the risk of misplacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtube placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tubes are pre-positioned and secured within the pump housing before operation. The tube placement is prepared in advance with proper orientation and fixation, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment and reducing the risk of misplacement during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump design incorporates self-aligning features where the flexible tubes automatically position themselves correctly relative to the rollers during insertion. The tube channel geometry and roller arrangement work together to guide the tubes into the correct orientation without requiring precise manual placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Reduces the number of components and simplifies fluid control by enabling simultaneous irrigation and suction with a single pump, reducing the risk of misplacement and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

peristaltic pump including a rotor and a plurality of rollers, wherein the rotor and the plurality of rollers have a central axis... the plurality of rollers convey fluid through the plurality of flexible tubes by way of applying intermittent forces on the external surface of the plurality of flexible tubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS12521165B2Systems and methods for hybrid peristaltic pump flow

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 MEDTRONIC NAVIGATION INC

AI summary

Systems and methods whereby an electrosurgical device provides electrosurgical treatment to a tissue area while offering simultaneous irrigation and suction capabilities. A hybrid pump attachment including a plurality of flexible tubes is fluidly connectable to the electrosurgical device, wherein the plurality of flexible tubes is orientated within the hybrid pump attachment such that, when attached to the peristaltic pump, the plurality of tubes at least partially surrounds a rotor and a plurality of rollers of the peristaltic pump. The rotor is rotatable about a central axis such that the plurality of rollers conveys fluid through the plurality of flexible tubes by way of applying intermittent forces on the external surface of the plurality of flexible tubes, wherein at least a first tube conveys a first fluid to a first location and at least a second tube conveys a second fluid to a second location.