Insufflator System with Dual Channel Segmentation for Smoke Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgery systems face challenges in insufflating and desufflating cavities due to limited gas flow rates through narrow channels, high leakage rates, and the inability to mount advanced insufflation technologies on overtubes, which complicates maintaining optimal pressure and removing smoke and high-pressure gases during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An insufflator system with a signal processor that controls gas supply and vacuum application based on pressure monitoring, allowing for selectable operating modes to maintain set pressures and alternate between insufflation and desufflation, and includes a larger instrument channel for increased gas flow and pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow insufflating channel (1 mm or less) is used within the endoscope, then the endoscope structure remains simple and compact, but the maximum gas flow rate is limited to 2-3 litres per minute which is insufficient to compensate for high leakage rates (15-20 litres per minute)
Solution Approach 1:
The insufflation system is segmented into two separate channels: a narrow insufflating channel (1 mm or less) for delivering insufflating gas and a larger instrument channel (2.8-3.3 mm) for withdrawing smoke and high-pressure gases. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple endoscope structure and achieving high gas flow rates.
2Device complexity
If a single channel is used for both delivering insufflating gas and withdrawing smoke, then the endoscope structure remains simple, but the removal of smoke during low pressure dissecting procedures becomes particularly challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The single channel is segmented into two dedicated channels: an insufflating channel for gas delivery and an instrument channel for smoke and gas withdrawal. This allows simultaneous and efficient performance of both functions without compromising smoke removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument channel acts as an intermediary pathway for removing smoke and high-pressure gases from the cavity, separate from the insufflating channel. This intermediary channel ensures effective smoke removal while maintaining the simplicity of the overall endoscope structure.
3Productivity
If high flow rate of insufflating gas is delivered through the narrow channel, then the leakage problem is worsened, but reducing the flow rate compromises the insufflation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow management is segmented into two independent channels with different diameter characteristics. The insufflating channel maintains simple structure while the instrument channel handles smoke removal. The system can deliver high flow rates (up to 40 litres per minute) through the instrument channel without compromising insufflation effectiveness, as the narrow insufflating channel is optimized for precise gas delivery.
4Stress or pressure
If the cavity pressure is maintained at high pressure for insufflation, then the working space is adequately created, but the tissue becomes taut and difficult to grab and suture
Solution Approach 1:
The insufflation system employs periodic action by alternating between high-pressure insufflation phases (for creating working space) and vacuum/desufflation phases (for reducing pressure to facilitate tissue manipulation). The signal processor controls these periodic pressure changes, allowing the surgeon to switch between insufflation and desufflation modes as needed for different surgical tasks.
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 system effectively manages cavity pressure, reduces leakage, and enhances gas flow rates up to 40 liters per minute, enabling efficient insufflation and desufflation, even in procedures with high-pressure gases and smoke generation, while minimizing tissue tautness for easier suturing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure monitoring means for monitoring pressure in the cavity (cavity pressure) and for producing a signal indicative of the cavity pressure
Implementation Method 2
the supply of insufflating gas to the cavity for maintaining the cavity pressure substantially at a set pressure
Implementation Method 3
apply a vacuum to the cavity until the cavity pressure falls to the set pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An insufflating system (201) comprises an insufflator (204) and an endoscope (205). The insufflator (204) comprises a flow control valve (217) for supplying insufflating gas to a cavity of a subject, and an isolating valve (222) for applying a vacuum to the cavity, both of which are connected to an instrument channel (208) of the endoscope (205) through a tube set (230). A pressure sensor (224) monitors cavity pressure through the instrument channel (208). The insufflator (201) is operable in a first operating mode in which a microprocessor (221) operates the flow control valve (217) to maintain the cavity pressure at a set pressure, and on the cavity pressure exceeding a predefined upper pressure, the microprocessor (221) operates the isolating valve (222) for applying vacuum to the cavity, and for further second time periods until the cavity pressure returns to the set pressure. The insufflator (204) is operable in a second operating mode in which the microprocessor (221) alternately and sequentially operates the flow control valve (217) and the isolating valve (222) to apply sequential pressure/vacuum cycles to the cavity in order to withdraw smoke generated in the cavity, while maintaining the cavity pressure within plus or minus 1 mmHg or 2 mmHg of the set pressure.