Mixed-Gas Insufflation System for Laparoscopic Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgery techniques face challenges with single-gas insufflation, leading to issues like hypoxia, tumor growth, and flammability due to the use of gases like carbon dioxide or oxygen, and are cumbersome and expensive when using multiple insufflators.
Innovation Solution
A mixed-gas insufflation system that combines at least two sources of insufflation gases, including oxygen, using a mixer system with multiple inlets, a mixing chamber, and a central processing unit to control and deliver a balanced gas mixture to the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single insufflation gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) is used to create pneumoperitoneum, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but hypoxia and tumor growth may occur due to lack of oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas sources (oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other insufflation gases) into a single mixed gas delivery system. The mixer assembly merges these different gases in controlled proportions before delivery to the surgical site, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while providing the benefits of multiple gases including oxygen for preventing hypoxia and tumor growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the parameters (flow rates, mixing ratios) of different gases based on real-time monitoring. The controller modifies the composition of the mixed gas to optimize oxygen content for preventing hypoxia while maintaining appropriate carbon dioxide levels for pneumoperitoneum, thus changing parameters to resolve the contradiction between gas simplicity and physiological benefits.
2Reliability
If oxygen is used to create pneumoperitoneum, then post-surgical healing is improved through oxygen-rich environment, but embolisms and flammability risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges oxygen with other insufflation gases (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide) in controlled proportions through the mixer assembly. This combination allows the oxygen to provide benefits for post-surgical healing while the presence of other gases dilutes the oxygen concentration, reducing flammability risks and preventing embolisms that would occur with pure oxygen insufflation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed gas delivery system acts as an intermediary between the oxygen source and the surgical site. Instead of delivering pure oxygen directly, the system uses a mixing mechanism to create a balanced gas composition where oxygen is present but diluted, thereby mediating the delivery to achieve healing benefits while minimizing harmful effects like flammability and embolisms.
3Reliability
If two or more insufflators are used to provide multiple insufflation gases, then post-surgical healing is optimized through oxygen-rich environment, but the setup becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple insufflators into a single integrated system. The mixer assembly combines multiple gas sources that would traditionally require separate insufflators, and the controller coordinates their operation, thereby reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining the ability to provide multiple insufflation gases for optimized post-surgical healing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single insufflator system is designed with multi-functionality to perform the tasks of multiple separate insufflators. The mixer assembly enables one insufflator to handle multiple gas types (oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide), making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate insufflators for each gas, thus reducing complexity and cost while maintaining healing optimization.
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 optimizes post-surgical healing by providing an oxygen-rich environment while minimizing risks of hypoxia and flammability, allowing for continuous and controlled delivery of a mixed gas composition during laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The mixer system includes a chamber having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. The at least two inlets of the chamber are in fluid communication with the gas supply. The mixer system mixes the at least two sources of insufflation gas.
Implementation Method 2
A central processing unit is electrically connected with the at least one delivery path monitors and controls the flow of insufflation gas passing through the at least one delivery path.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixed-gas insufflation system for mixing insufflation gases includes a gas supply providing at least two sources of insufflation gas and a mixer system. The mixer system includes a chamber having at least two inlets and at least one outlet. The at least two inlets of the chamber are in fluid communication with the gas supply. The mixer system mixes the at least two sources of insufflation gas.