Laser Sheath Assembly for Stone Fragmentation and Suction Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithotripsy procedures face challenges with the generation of large stone fragments that cannot be removed via the access sheath, leading to blockages and prolonged procedures, and the inefficiency of fragmenting stones to a fine dust size that requires additional medical intervention and increases patient risk.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a scope with a sheath and a laser extending through a working channel, allowing for fragmentation and suction of bodily masses within a fragmentation chamber, with a suction channel to draw fragments into the sheath for safe and efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stone fragments are basketed and removed externally, then large stone fragments can be removed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex requiring multiple device exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser fragmentation device and suction removal device into a single integrated catheter system. The laser fiber and suction channel are positioned adjacently within the same catheter, allowing both fragmentation and removal functions to be performed without device exchanges. This merging eliminates the time loss associated with retrieving and exchanging devices while maintaining the capability to handle large stone fragments safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design enables continuous operation where the laser fragments stones and the suction channel simultaneously removes debris without interruption. The system maintains continuous visualization and continuous removal capability, eliminating the breaks and device exchanges required in traditional basketing methods, thereby reducing overall procedural time while maintaining safety.
2Ease of operation
If stone is dusted externally to fine dust size, then stone can be removed without blockage, but dusting and retrieval becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dusting function and retrieval function into a single catheter assembly. The laser fiber for dusting and the suction channel for retrieval are positioned adjacently within the same catheter, allowing simultaneous operation. This eliminates the need for separate device exchanges between dusting and retrieval phases, significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation for removing fine dust without blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous dusting and continuous retrieval without interruption or device exchange. The suction channel operates continuously to remove dust particles as they are generated by the laser, maintaining productivity while ensuring easy removal of fine dust without blockage throughout the entire procedure.
3Quantity of substance
If scope is removed during suction, then dust can be evacuated, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization scope and suction function within the same catheter assembly. The scope and suction channel are positioned adjacently, allowing simultaneous visualization and dust evacuation without removing the scope. This integration maintains dust evacuation capability while reducing procedure complexity by eliminating the need to remove and reinsert the scope during the procedure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple device exchanges are performed, then different functions can be optimized, but procedural time increases and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal catheter assembly that performs multiple functions: laser delivery, suction, and visualization all within a single integrated device. This multi-functional design provides adaptability for different operational needs (fragmentation, dusting, removal) while eliminating the need for device exchanges, thereby improving patient safety by reducing procedural time and the number of interventions required.
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
Enables quick and safe removal of both large stones and dust fragments with minimal device exchange, reducing procedure time and patient risk by using a sheath and laser system for fragmentation and suction.
Implementation Method 1
Laser lithotripsy, for example, uses pulsed light energy from an energy delivery device, which is converted into a mechanical and thermo energy in the form of a cavitation bubble associated with the occurrence of a shockwave. The cavitation bubble may help to disrupt, cauterize, cut and break up the bodily mass.
Implementation Method 2
pulsed light energy from an energy delivery device, which is converted into a mechanical and thermo energy in the form of a cavitation bubble associated with the occurrence of a shockwave
Implementation Method 3
the working channel is operable as a suction channel to draw a bodily mass towards the distal end of the scope
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, assemblies, and methods for removing a bodily mass from a body cavity. In some embodiments, a medical device may include a scope including a working channel and a sheath having a wall defining a lumen, wherein the sheath extends beyond a distal end of the scope. The medical device may further include a laser extending through the working channel, adjacent the sheath.