Lithotripsy Stone Fragment Capture With Waste-Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recovery of stone fragments during lithotripsy procedures is challenging due to their being collected with waste fluids, making retrieval difficult, and lithotripsy devices can become clogged, leading to procedure interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A stone fragment capture system that separates stone fragments from waste fluids and includes a vacuum port for clearing blockages without disassembly, allowing continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stone fragments are collected with waste fluids using suction, then the suction system can remove debris from the patient, but the stone fragments become mixed with fluids making retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into separate collection pathways: one for stone fragments and another for waste fluids. The collection container is divided into a first portion for receiving stone fragments and a second portion for receiving waste fluids, enabling separate retrieval and analysis of stone fragments while maintaining efficient debris removal
Solution Approach 2:
Stone fragments are extracted from the mixed waste stream by providing a dedicated collection container and pathway separate from the waste fluid collection system. This allows stone fragments to be isolated and retrieved for analysis without being mixed with biological and lavage fluids
2Productivity
If the lithotripsy device operates continuously, then the procedure efficiency is improved, but the device may become clogged with stones or fragments requiring disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum port is provided that allows preliminary clearing action to be taken before complete clogging occurs. The vacuum port enables insertion of instruments to clear blockages within the lithotripsy device without disassembly, maintaining continuous operation and preventing procedure interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum port serves as an intermediary access point that mediates between the need for continuous operation and the need to clear blockages. It provides a sealed access port allowing instrument insertion to clear clogs without shutting down the system or disassembling the device
3Ease of repair
If the device is disassembled to clear blockages, then the clogging problem is resolved, but procedure time increases and frustration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum port enables self-service clearing of blockages without requiring external disassembly or intervention. The system can clear its own blockages by allowing instrument insertion through the vacuum port, eliminating the need to shut down and disassemble the device for maintenance
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
Facilitates efficient retrieval and storage of stone fragments for analysis and prevents device clogging, reducing procedure downtime and frustration.
Implementation Method 1
suction applied to a distal end of a lithotripsy device. The suction pulls the stone fragments proximally through a suction tube
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum port can provide a sealable access port into the lithotripsy device to allow insertion of an instrument to clear the blockage without interruption of the lithotripsy system
Data Source
AI summary
A lithotripsy device can comprise a handpiece, a lithotripsy probe extending from the handpiece, an energization source configured to deliver an energy to a distal end of the lithotripsy probe, a suction passage extending from the distal end of the probe and through the handpiece, and a capture device comprising a container comprising a storage space, an entry port configured to couple to the handpiece at the suction passage, and an exit port, and a capture element connected to the container and configured to facilitate capture of stone fragments within the storage space. A method can comprise fragmenting stones with a lithotripsy device, drawing a vacuum through the lithotripsy device to pull stone fragments and waste fluid therethrough, pulling the vacuum through a stone capture device connected to the lithotripsy device, depositing stone fragments within the stone capture device using a capture element, and drawing the vacuum through the device.