Inflatable Cuff Guiding Tube Positioner for Kidney Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning a guiding tube for a nephroscope in kidney surgery are inefficient and prone to flesh tearing, lacking effective visual monitoring and requiring numerous X-ray checks, especially during the enlargement of the kidney opening.
Innovation Solution
A guiding tube positioning device comprising a long aspiration needle with an inflatable enlargement device and a form memory guide, which allows for controlled inflation and precise placement of the guiding tube, reducing the need for manual enlargement and X-ray checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual enlargement of kidney opening is performed using traditional methods, then the guiding tube can be positioned, but flesh tearing occurs and visual monitoring is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable cuff mechanism where a balloon is inflated with fluid or gas to enlarge the kidney opening. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach replaces manual mechanical enlargement, providing controlled and uniform expansion that avoids flesh tearing while eliminating the difficulty of manual operation in depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates X-ray visualization feedback during the inflation process, allowing real-time monitoring of the enlargement. This feedback mechanism ensures that the opening is enlarged to the appropriate size without excessive force, preventing flesh tearing while providing visual confirmation of proper positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple Alken expander tubes are used to increase opening diameter, then the guiding tube can be positioned, but numerous X-ray short checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple enlargement functions into a single inflatable cuff that can be inflated to various diameters. Instead of using multiple separate Alken expander tubes requiring individual X-ray checks, the unified cuff provides continuous enlargement capability with a single X-ray verification, reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cuff allows dynamic adjustment of the opening diameter by changing the inflation pressure and volume. This parameter-based control replaces the discrete stepwise enlargement with multiple tubes, enabling precise diameter control with fewer X-ray checks to verify positioning at each stage.
3Ease of operation
If a metallic support tube with inflatable cuff is used, then guiding tube positioning is enabled, but radial cuts in patient flesh are required beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary radial cuts around the needle before inflation to prevent flesh tearing during the enlargement process. This preliminary action prepares the tissue in advance, allowing the subsequent inflation to proceed without causing damage, thereby enabling easier guiding tube positioning while eliminating the harmful flesh tearing effect.
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 rapid and precise positioning of the guiding tube with reduced risk of flesh tearing and improved visualization, enhancing the efficiency of kidney surgery by minimizing manual manipulation and X-ray usage.
Implementation Method 1
a form memory guide (not illustrated) which is normally curved at its end but which can be initially kept straight, for example, by mechanical deformation for the time necessary to pass through aspiration needle 2 and into the kidney; as soon as the form memory guide end protrudes, at first needle end 5, it reassumes its form and thereby acts as a positioning arrester
Implementation Method 2
a cuff 25, of a length 26 practically equal to that of the cuffs already used, covers support tube 15 on which it is secured
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for positioning a guiding tube (1) for a nephroscope, said tube consisting of a long aspiration needle (2) which is provided with a closing mandrin (3) and on which an inflatable enlargement device (4) slides, said device especially comprising a cuff (25) which is positioned by sliding along the aspiration needle (2) that is previously inserted into the kidney of the patient. The operation is facilitated by a trocar consisting of cutting blades (19) which enlarge the opening without tearing any flesh. The cuff is then inflated so that the inflatable enlargement device (4) can be used as a guiding means for a guiding tube for a nephroscope during the positioning thereof in the kidney of the patient.