Laparoscopic Irrigation Suction System with Electronic Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigation and suction systems for laparoscopic surgery are not versatile, reliable, and uncomfortable for surgeons, with complex dynamic applications and safety concerns for patients.

Innovation Solution

An irrigation and suction system featuring an active control apparatus with a reusable motor and disposable handpiece, equipped with controlling electronics and interface means for selecting operation modes, flow rates, and safety features like priming detection and power monitoring, along with an ergonomic handpiece design for comfortable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing irrigation and suction systems are used, then basic surgical function is provided, but versatility and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability through electronic control that allows real-time adjustment of pump operation modes (continuous or pulse) and flow rates based on varying surgical conditions. The motor speed can be dynamically modified via interface means to select different operation modes, enabling the system to adapt to different surgical requirements while maintaining reliable performance through controlled dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex control mechanisms are added to improve versatility, then adaptability increases, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-service features through automatic mode selection and priming detection. The control electronics automatically detect when the pump is primed and adjust operation accordingly. The interface means provides user-friendly controls that simplify complex operations, allowing surgeons to easily select operation modes without dealing with complex mechanical controls, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If more mechanical parts are used to achieve versatile operation, then functionality improves, but reliability and service life decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic control. A reusable motor with electronic speed control substitutes for multiple mechanical pumps and control valves. The electronic control system provides versatile operation modes without requiring additional mechanical parts, thereby improving reliability and extending service life by eliminating mechanical wear from control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If disposable components are used to reduce contamination risk, then safety improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into disposable and reusable components. The handpiece and pump are disposable to eliminate contamination risk, while the expensive motor and control electronics are reusable. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high safety by discarding components that contact the surgical site, while controlling overall cost by making only the necessary components disposable rather than the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a reliable, versatile, and safe lavage and drainage solution for laparoscopic surgery, ensuring comfortable operation for surgeons and minimizing wear and contamination risks, with a long service life and reduced mechanical parts for enhanced reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a pumping unit... it is sent by means of a pump, through an irrigation line, to the probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

Depression necessary to aspiration is given by a vacuum line of the operating room

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9314554B2Irrigation and suction system, in particular for laparoscopic surgery
Publication Date: 2016.04.19 AB MEDICA SPA
  • US9314554B2 patent drawing
  • US9314554B2 patent drawing
  • US9314554B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention concerns an irrigation and suction system, in particular for laparoscopic surgery, comprising an active control apparatus (100), provided with a reusable motor (101′) capable to be attached to and to operate a disposable pump (102), and a disposable handpiece (104) provided with two valves (1603, 1604) capable to be connected respectively to an output duct (813) from the pump (102) and to a suction line, the two valves being operatable (1603, 1604) for making respectively the pump (102) and the suction line communicate with an output nozzle (1607) of the handpiece (104), the nozzle (1607) being capable to support a probe (110), the apparatus (100) comprising controlling electronics means (20) for controlling electronics means (1501) for driving the motor (101′), the system being characterised in that it comprises interface means (1505, 16, 17, 112, 113) connected to said controlling electronics means (20) capable to select an operation mode of the motor (101′) between continuous mode, wherein the pump (102) delivers fluid in a continuous and uniform way, and pulse mode, wherein the pump flow rate switches between a minimum flow rate and a maximum flow rate with a switching period.