Insufflator Pressure Measurement With Dual-Sensor Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measurement systems in insufflators for minimally invasive surgery face challenges in accurately determining body cavity pressure due to pressure differences caused by tubes, trocars, and pump activities, leading to measurement errors and safety concerns, particularly in cases of tube occlusions.
Innovation Solution
An insufflator design with a dual-pressure sensor system and controlled gas flow, utilizing a smaller sensor line with a second controllable valve to create pulsatile gas flow, allowing precise pressure measurement and reliable detection of hose occlusions by comparing pressure readings from both sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a catheter is advanced through a tortuous anatomical path to reach a target location, then the catheter can access difficult-to-reach areas, but the catheter tip may deviate from the intended path and advance into adjacent anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors catheter position using electromagnetic field sensors and provides real-time feedback through a display interface. This allows operators to see the actual catheter tip location and adjust the advancement path to maintain precision despite tortuous anatomical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic field serves as an intermediary between the catheter and the monitoring system. The catheter contains electromagnetic sensors that detect field variations, translating physical position into measurable signals that can be processed and displayed for precise localization.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensing elements are integrated into the catheter tip to enable precise pressure measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter integrates multiple functions including pressure sensing, electromagnetic field sensing for position detection, and fluid delivery capabilities. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid-filled catheter channels to transmit pressure changes from the anatomical site to external monitoring equipment. This hydraulic transmission method enables pressure measurement without requiring complex electronic sensors at the catheter tip, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter is made more flexible to navigate tortuous paths, then adaptability improves, but the catheter loses the ability to maintain stable positioning and deliver therapy effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with adjustable stiffness. The ability to modify catheter rigidity allows it to adapt to different anatomical requirements - flexible for navigation through tortuous paths, then stable for positioning and therapy delivery at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter's physical parameters, particularly its stiffness and rigidity, can be changed to match different operational requirements. This may involve using materials with variable properties or mechanical structures that can transition between flexible and rigid states based on the operational phase.
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
Ensures accurate pressure measurement in the body cavity and promptly detects hose occlusions, reducing measurement errors and enhancing safety by triggering alarms or adjusting gas flow to prevent excessive pressure.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensor positioned at a distal end of the catheter to sense pressure changes within the anatomical lumen
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an insufflator having a novel pressure measuring device for minimally invasive surgery. It is possible by means of the novel device to reliably measure the pressure in the body cavity and at the same time to ensure that the gas supply lines are free of occlusions.