Insufflation Damper for Endoscopic Vessel Dissector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insufflation devices for endoscopic vein harvesting cause fluctuations in gas pressure within the surgical tunnel, leading to distracting pulsations that interfere with visualization during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A damping device with a flexible bladder is integrated into the insufflation channel to buffer pressure variations, maintaining a steady volume and reducing fluctuations in the surgical tunnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a regulated insufflation device is used to maintain gas pressure in the surgical tunnel, then the tunnel can be kept open for visualization, but pressure fluctuations cause distracting pulsations that interfere with visualization
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant balloon is placed in the insufflation line to absorb pressure fluctuations before they reach the surgical tunnel. The balloon pre-compresses and expands in response to pressure changes, cushioning the effects of regulator adjustments and preventing pulsations from propagating to the tunnel, thereby maintaining stable visualization conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant balloon acts as an intermediary element between the insufflation regulator and the surgical tunnel. It mediates the transmission of gas flow by absorbing pressure variations, allowing smooth gas delivery to the tunnel while filtering out destabilizing pulsations that would otherwise degrade visualization quality
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 damping device stabilizes the viewing area, enhancing visualization and reducing distractions during endoscopic procedures by smoothing out gas flow pulsations, thereby improving the clarity and consistency of the endoscopic view.
Implementation Method 1
A damping device with a flexible bladder is integrated into the insufflation channel to buffer pressure variations
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel harvesting apparatus is provided for removing a vessel from a patient. An endoscopic instrument has a distal end with a vessel harvesting tip and has a proximal end with a handle. The endoscopic instrument has an insufflation channel adapted to receive an insufflation gas from a regulated source at the proximal end. The insufflation channel has an outlet at the distal end adapted to expel the insufflation gas subcutaneously in the patient. A damping device has a flexible bladder with an inside space in fluid communication with the insufflation channel. The inside space has a volume that varies between a rest volume and an inflated volume in response to an amount of insufflation gas flowing to or from the flexible bladder.