Liquid Trap for Electrosurgical Smoke Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performing mass and ion mobility spectrometric analysis in endoscopic environments is challenging due to moisture, which can damage analyzers and requires strategies to prevent liquid from reaching the analyzer, but existing methods are ineffective and can affect device operation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a liquid trap or separator is used to capture and discard undesired liquid aspirated during analysis, allowing aerosol or surgical smoke to pass to the analyzer while preventing liquid from reaching it, and is designed to be external to the endoscopic probe to minimize probe size and maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid trapping or separation methods are implemented to prevent liquid damage to the analyzer, then the reliability of the analyzer is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid trap or separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the aspiration source and the mass spectrometer analyzer. This intermediary device captures and removes liquid from the aerosol stream before it reaches the analyzer, preventing liquid damage while maintaining reliable analysis. The trap acts as a buffer zone that selectively retains liquid droplets while allowing vapor-phase analytes to pass through to the analyzer.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a liquid trap or separator is added to the system, then liquid removal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and probe size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid trap or separator extracts and removes the harmful liquid component from the mixed aerosol stream. By separating the liquid phase from the vapor phase, the system eliminates liquid interference with the mass spectrometer while preserving the analyte-containing vapor. This extraction approach targets only the problematic liquid fraction without affecting the analytical signal.
3Reliability
If liquid prevention strategies are implemented, then analyzer protection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional device components
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid trap or separator is designed to automatically capture and remove liquid from the aerosol stream without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The device self-regulates the separation process, allowing liquid to be trapped while vapor passes through to the analyzer. This automated self-service approach protects the analyzer while minimizing the operational burden on the user.
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 apparatus effectively prevents liquid from damaging the analyzer, maintains efficient analysis, and minimizes the size and complexity of the endoscopic probe, ensuring accurate and reliable mass and ion mobility spectrometry in endoscopic environments.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the cellular biomass to alternating electric current at radiofrequency which causes localized Joule-heating and the disruption of cells
Implementation Method 2
A liquid trap or separator arranged and adapted to capture and/or discard liquid aspirated by the one or more second devices
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed comprising a first device (31) arranged and adapted to generate aerosol, smoke or vapour from a target and one or more second devices (34,35) arranged and adapted to aspirate aerosol, smoke, vapour and/or liquid to or towards an analyser (33). A liquid trap or separator (32) is provided to capture and/or discard liquid aspirated by the one or more second devices (34,35).