Integrated Lavage System with Selective Therapeutic Agent Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical lavage systems require multiple instruments for applying therapeutic agents to a target site, leading to increased complexity, expense, and waste generation, as well as challenges in ensuring appropriate proportions of therapeutic agents are delivered due to settling issues in solution bags.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lavage system with a handpiece and pump that allows for the selective blending and discharge of therapeutic agents with the lavage solution using a cartridge or tip assembly reservoir, enabling sequential application of blended and neutral solutions without needing multiple bags or instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used to apply therapeutic agents and perform lavage cleaning, then the therapeutic agents can be applied to the target site, but the device complexity and number of instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lavage handpiece with a cartridge assembly that contains both the therapeutic agent reservoir and mixing mechanism. This merging allows a single instrument to perform both therapeutic agent application and lavage cleaning functions, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The handpiece is designed with multi-functionality to serve as both a lavage device and a therapeutic agent delivery system. The integrated cartridge assembly enables the same device to deliver different solutions (therapeutic agents and neutral lavage solution) sequentially, making it a universal instrument for multiple surgical needs.
2Ease of operation
If therapeutic agent is injected into the solution bag, then the blended solution can be discharged to the target site, but the entire bag contents become blended solution requiring bag replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solution delivery into two separate reservoirs: one for the therapeutic agent and one for the neutral lavage solution. This segmentation allows independent control of each solution type, enabling the surgical professional to switch between therapeutic agent delivery and neutral lavage without replacing the entire bag, thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly includes dynamic control mechanisms (valves and flow regulators) that allow real-time switching between therapeutic agent and neutral solution flow. This dynamic control enables seamless transition between different solution types during the procedure without requiring bag replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If therapeutic agent is mixed into the solution bag, then the blended solution is discharged to the target site, but the proportion of therapeutic agent becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow regulators and valves that provide feedback control over the mixing ratio of therapeutic agent and lavage solution. These control mechanisms allow real-time adjustment of the therapeutic agent flow rate relative to the lavage solution flow, ensuring precise and reproducible proportions are delivered to the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mixing mechanisms with a controlled mechanical mixing system using peristaltic pumping and regulated flow channels. This substitution of uncontrolled manual mixing with engineered mechanical flow control ensures consistent and measurable therapeutic agent proportions in the blended solution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bags are used for different solutions, then the appropriate solutions can be provided, but waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses the neutral lavage solution by directing it through a filter assembly that removes particulate matter. The filtered neutral solution is then reused in the same cartridge assembly, significantly reducing waste compared to discarding entire bags. Only the consumed therapeutic agent portion is discarded, not the bulk neutral solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of solution utilization from single-use to multi-use by implementing a filtration and reuse mechanism for the neutral lavage solution. This parameter change in solution lifecycle management transforms the waste generation profile, reducing the volume of discarded material while maintaining solution effectiveness.
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 simplifies the application process by allowing for the selective and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the target site, reducing waste and ensuring accurate proportions, thereby streamlining medical procedures and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that forces the solution out of the bag through the handpiece to the target site
Implementation Method 2
a mixer integral with the cartridge adds the therapeutic agent to the lavage solution as the neutral solution flows through the cartridge
Implementation Method 3
a pump that discharges a pulsed flow of irrigation solution at a body site to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
A medical/surgical irrigator with a handpiece for discharging a lavage solution. There is reservoir in which a therapeutic agent is stored. The therapeutic agent can be selectively mixed with the lavage solution to form a blended solution. The mixing can be performed selectively so as to make it possible to sequentially apply the blended solution or a basic (lavage only) solution.