Magnetic Target Separation for Urinary Stone Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing urinary stones, particularly calcium-containing stones, are inefficient and can cause damage to the ureteral wall due to the limitations of stone baskets, which struggle with residual debris and incomplete removal, leading to potential stone recurrence and increased surgical risks.
Innovation Solution
Development of magnetic nanoparticles with a core-shell structure that can physically or chemically bind to stones, combined with a magnetic target separation instrument for safe and efficient removal of urinary stones, allowing for non-contact bulk removal without damaging the ureteral wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stone baskets are used to remove urinary stones, then stones can be intercepted and removed, but the amount of stone removed every time is limited and multiple feeds are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the stone removal function into two parts: a sealing balloon that blocks the ureter to prevent stone reflux, and a magnet that attracts and collects stone debris. This segmentation allows simultaneous prevention of reflux and efficient stone collection, eliminating the need for repeated basket feeds and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a magnet as an intermediary tool that attracts and collects stone debris through magnetic attraction. This intermediary mechanism enables bulk removal of stone particles without relying on manual basket manipulation, significantly improving stone removal efficiency and reducing the number of feeds required.
2Productivity
If stone baskets are used to take out stones, then stones can be removed, but the use of basket has great randomness and efficiency is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical stone basket system with a magnetic field-based collection system. The magnet passively attracts and collects stone debris through magnetic attraction, eliminating the randomness of manual basket manipulation and providing consistent, predictable stone removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet performs self-service by automatically attracting and collecting stone debris as it passes through the ureter. This passive collection mechanism eliminates the need for manual basket feeding and manipulation, significantly improving operational ease and reducing efficiency variability.
3Productivity
If stone baskets are introduced, then stones can be accessed, but the bending performance of endoscopy would decline and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stone collection function from the rigid stone basket and transfers it to a flexible magnet that can navigate the ureter naturally. This extraction allows the endoscope to maintain its bending performance and flexibility while still achieving effective stone removal through the magnetic attraction mechanism.
4Productivity
If stone baskets are used, then stones can be collected, but stones may escape from basket and smaller debris are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical containment of the stone basket with a magnetic field-based collection system. The magnetic field reliably attracts and holds all stone debris, including small particles, preventing escape and ensuring complete removal without relying on physical basket containment.
5Productivity
If stone baskets are used to drag and remove stones, then stones can be taken out, but edges of stones may scratch the ureter wall causing complications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical dragging and pulling action of the stone basket with a magnetic attraction-based collection system. The magnet attracts stone debris through the ureter without physical contact or dragging, eliminating the harmful friction and scratching that causes ureteral wall damage while maintaining effective stone removal capability.
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 magnetic nanoparticles effectively wrap and remove stones under an external magnetic field, enhancing the efficiency and safety of stone extraction, reducing the risk of recurrence and improving surgical outcomes by ensuring complete removal of stone debris.
Implementation Method 1
under an external magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
bind to stones
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to nanoparticles, a preparation method thereof, a stone removal device, a magnetic target separation instrument and its application. The nanoparticles include a nanoparticle core made of magnetic materials, and a nanoparticle shell formed by attaching surface modifier monomers to the nanoparticle core with an initiator and/or a crosslinking agent. The prepared nanoparticles can wrap stones in ureter, and then small stones remaining in body can be removed quickly without damage from the body under the action of the magnetic target separation instrument. The stones can be drawn and moved without injuring ureteral wall, and meanwhile be disposed conveniently without easy shift.