Insufflation Gas Warmer Humidifier for Laparoscopic Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgeries face challenges due to the introduction of cold and dry insufflation gas, which can cause dehydration, cooling of the peritoneal layer, and increased energy expenditure from the patient, leading to post-operative pain and impaired healing, as previous heating methods at the insufflator are ineffective and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, inexpensive device that warms and humidifies insufflation gas proximal to the entry site using a permeable envelope with a reactive agent and a surface for heat transfer, along with a humidifying reservoir containing sterile fluid and hydrogen peroxide, to maintain the gas at a desired temperature and humidity level throughout its delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating insufflation gas at the insufflator, then the gas temperature increases initially, but the gas loses warmth during passage through the insufflation tubing and arrives at the patient at ambient room temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by humidifying the insufflation gas before heating it. The gas first passes through a humidifying reservoir where it absorbs moisture, then through a heating element where it is warmed. This sequence ensures the gas retains heat longer during passage through the tubing because the added moisture increases heat capacity and prevents rapid cooling, solving the problem of heat loss during transmission to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces moisture as an intermediary substance that mediates between the heat source and the gas. The humidifying reservoir adds water vapor to the gas stream, which acts as a thermal buffer that maintains temperature during transport through the insufflation tubing, preventing the gas from rapidly losing heat to the surrounding environment.
2Loss of energy
If using insulated insufflation tubing, then heat retention improves slightly, but the gas still reaches ambient temperature after traveling a few feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-humidifying and pre-heating the gas before it enters the insulated tubing. The gas is conditioned in advance through a humidifying reservoir and heating element, ensuring it starts its journey through the tubing at optimal temperature and moisture levels. This preliminary conditioning allows the gas to maintain acceptable temperature even over longer tubing lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas by increasing its humidity content before insulation. The added moisture fundamentally alters the gas's thermal properties, increasing its heat capacity and changing how it interacts with the insulation. This parameter change enables the gas to retain heat effectively over the required tubing length despite the insulating properties alone being insufficient.
3Temperature
If using typical heaters at the insufflators or insulated tubing, then gas warming is achieved, but the devices are costly or bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the humidifying function and heating function into a single integrated device that attaches to the insufflation system. Rather than using separate bulky heaters or complex insulated tubing systems, the invention combines moisture addition and thermal heating in one compact unit, reducing overall device complexity and cost while achieving effective gas warming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by using the flow of insufflation gas itself to drive the humidification and heating processes. The gas flow provides the mechanical energy needed to move through the device, and the phase change of water (evaporation) provides cooling that balances the heating, creating a self-regulating system that doesn't require complex external control mechanisms or large power sources.
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 effectively maintains warm and humid insufflation gas over a longer distance, reducing heat loss and energy expenditure, thereby minimizing dehydration and discomfort for the patient during laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable envelope containing a reactive agent and a surface arranged to transfer heat to the passage
Implementation Method 2
a surface arranged to transfer heat to the passage
Implementation Method 3
a humidifying reservoir connected to the passage and arranged to add humidity to the insufflation gas as it passes through the passage
Implementation Method 4
a passage having at least one channel winding throughout an interior of the passage and connected to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insulation gas within the passage.