Irrigation Pump System for Kidney Stone Lithotripsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laser lithotripsy for kidney stone removal, the presence of small stone fragments ('dust') can impede vision and lead to elevated kidney pressures due to increased irrigation flow rates, necessitating improved fluid management systems that maintain clear vision while preventing excessive pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of irrigation and pump systems with flowrate and pressure-controlled irrigation and suction, along with automated clog detection and remediation, to optimize fluid management and prevent kidney damage, including a suction component, irrigation component, and clog detection and removal component, which can adjust flow rates and pressure to maintain safe intrarenal pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If higher irrigation flow rates are used to clear stone fragments and improve vision, then vision clarity is improved, but kidney pressure becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor intrarenal pressure and provide feedback to the control system. When pressure exceeds the threshold (typically 40 mmHg), the system automatically adjusts irrigation flow rate downward and/or increases suction flow rate to maintain pressure within safe limits while preserving adequate vision clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (irrigation flow rate and suction flow rate) based on real-time pressure conditions. The control system adjusts these parameters to maintain an optimal balance between clearing stone dust for vision and preventing excessive kidney pressure, rather than using fixed high flow rates.
2Productivity
If higher irrigation flow rates are used to clear stone fragments, then stone fragment removal is improved, but the risk of kidney damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide continuous feedback on intrarenal pressure levels during the procedure. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust irrigation and suction flow rates, ensuring that stone fragment removal remains effective while kidney pressure stays below damaging thresholds (typically 40 mmHg), thereby preventing kidney damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual clinician judgment and adjustment with an automated electronic control system that continuously monitors pressure and adjusts flow rates. This substitution ensures consistent adherence to safe pressure limits and reduces the risk of human error leading to kidney damage.
3Reliability
If automated clog detection and remediation is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors (such as pressure sensors or flow meters) that continuously monitor for clog conditions and provide feedback to the control system. When a clog is detected through abnormal pressure or flow patterns, the system automatically triggers remediation actions such as adjusting flow rates or activating unclogging mechanisms, thereby maintaining high reliability through automated monitoring and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-remediation of clogs through automated detection and response mechanisms. When a clog is detected, the system automatically adjusts irrigation and suction flow rates or activates unclogging features without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself and maintain reliable operation.
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 clears vision-obstructing stone fragments while maintaining safe kidney pressures, reducing the risk of complications by automatically detecting and addressing clogs and calibrating flow rates to prevent excessive pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the suction component comprises a volumetric peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
the irrigation component is a pressure and/or flowrate-controlled irrigation component (e.g., including but not limited to a pressure chamber, a gravity bag, a pressure bag, or a combination thereof)
Implementation Method 3
a weight scale or load cell that measures the rate change in weight of a collection canister
Implementation Method 4
an ultrasonic wave flowmeter
Implementation Method 5
a photo resistor shining light through the aspiration tubing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for treating kidney stones. In particular, provided herein are irrigation and pump systems for use with endoscopic (e.g., ureteroscope) devices, and related methods for use in treating kidney stones and other applications.