Kidney Stone Removal Handle with Trigger Resistance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing kidney stones, especially smaller ones, are invasive, time-consuming, and inefficient, requiring multiple insertions and removals of instruments, leading to patient discomfort, increased anesthesia use, and higher risks of infection and scarring.
Innovation Solution
A removably insertable medical device with an elongated tubular body featuring irrigation and vacuum lumens, a handle mechanism for adjustable irrigation and suction control, and a steering mechanism for navigating the catheter to facilitate the efficient removal of kidney stones through simultaneous application of irrigation fluid and vacuum suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ureteroscopy with basket removal device is used, then kidney stones can be removed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires multiple insertions and removals of instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the irrigation function and vacuum suction function into a single removably insertable medical device. The device includes an irrigation lumen for applying irrigation fluid and a vacuum lumen for applying vacuum suction simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate basket removal devices and multiple instrument insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device performs multiple functions: it can apply irrigation fluid through the irrigation lumen, apply vacuum suction through the vacuum lumen, and combine both functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple traditional instruments, reducing procedure time and the number of insertions required.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical techniques with incisions are used, then large kidney stones can be removed, but the patient faces higher risks of infection, complications, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables fragmentation of kidney stones through the application of vacuum suction that draws stones toward the device tip where they can be broken up and removed through the catheter, avoiding the need for large incisions required by traditional segmentation methods like percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device acts as an intermediary tool that can be inserted through the urinary tract (urethra, bladder, ureter) without requiring external incisions. The device mediates between the patient's body and the stone removal function, enabling minimally invasive access while maintaining effective stone removal capability.
3Reliability
If basket removal device is used to capture kidney stone fragments, then stones can be retrieved, but the basket is difficult to position and maneuver effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex basket mechanism from the device and replaces it with a simpler vacuum-based system. The vacuum lumen creates negative pressure that actively draws kidney stone fragments toward the device tip and into the catheter, eliminating the need for manual basket positioning and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction system performs the retrieval function automatically through the application of negative pressure. The system self-regulates the attraction of stone fragments toward the device tip without requiring manual manipulation of baskets or other capturing mechanisms, significantly improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If extended surgery time is required for complete stone removal, then all kidney stones can be removed, but patient discomfort increases and anesthesia requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of both irrigation and vacuum suction functions simultaneously through the single medical device. The irrigation lumen continuously flushes the area while the vacuum lumen continuously removes fragments, maintaining uninterrupted stone removal action that reduces total procedure time and associated risks.
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 enables minimally invasive, efficient, and safer kidney stone removal by reducing the need for multiple instrument insertions, minimizing patient discomfort, and lowering the risk of complications through controlled irrigation and suction, improving visibility and reducing thermal and pressure-related risks during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum lumen for application of vacuum suction
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation lumen for application of an irrigation fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Kidney stone removal system is disclosed having components including a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism employs a trigger mechanism that enables control of irrigation and vacuum/suction. Operation of a trigger of the trigger mechanism conveys status of vacuum/suction and irrigation to a user by providing increased resistance at different points of operation. When the trigger is in a home position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned off. When the trigger is in a fully activated position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned on. When the trigger is in an intermediate position, irrigation may be turned on, while vacuum/suction remains turned off. The handle mechanism can be of a single trigger design with modes including: an active irrigation mode only (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum off) and an active irrigation mode in combination with a vacuum mode (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum on). The handle mechanism can also be of a single trigger design with modes including passive irrigation on/active irrigation off/vacuum off; passive irrigation on/active irrigation on/vacuum off; passive irrigation on/active irrigation on/vacuum on. The handle mechanism can also provide a minimum, passive amount of negative pressure even in the modes where the vacuum is off.