Modular Surgical Fluid Management With Feedback Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems in surgical procedures face challenges with poor fluid pressure control, pulsatile flow affecting visualization, inadequate temperature control, inefficient fluid deficit monitoring, and cumbersome fluid collection canister handling, leading to interruptions and biohazardous waste disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid management system with software-controlled, electro-mechanical devices that include a deficit cartridge with movable valves, non-contact sensors, and a control system for precise fluid pressure and temperature control, integrated suction regulation, and efficient fluid deficit monitoring, enabling seamless fluid collection and evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gravity is used to provide fluid flow, then non-pulsatile flow is achieved, but fluid pressure control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control device is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid supply bag and the surgical site. This device includes a pressure sensor that detects fluid pressure and a controller that adjusts a valve to regulate pressure, thereby improving pressure control while maintaining the gravity-driven non-pulsatile flow system.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed-loop feedback system is implemented where a pressure sensor continuously monitors fluid pressure at the surgical site and transmits this information to a controller. The controller automatically adjusts the valve position based on the pressure feedback to maintain desired pressure levels, resolving the contradiction between simple gravity flow and precise pressure control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pressure cuffs or chambers are used to pressurize fluid, then non-pulsatile flow is achieved, but fluid pressure control is poor unless pressure is constantly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a feedback control mechanism where pressure sensors monitor fluid pressure in real-time and automatically adjust valve positions through electronic control. This replaces the need for complex mechanical pressure adjustment mechanisms with a simpler electronic feedback system that maintains stable non-pulsatile flow with precise pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual or mechanical pressure adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and electronic valves. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving pressure control precision and enabling automatic adaptation to changing fluid volumes.
3Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used to pressurize fluid, then good pressure control is achieved, but pulsatile fluid flow impairs distention and visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump mechanism that generates pulsatile flow is removed from the system. Instead, gravity provides the driving force for fluid flow, and a separate electronic pressure control valve is used to regulate pressure without introducing pulsations. This extraction of the pulsation-generating component resolves the contradiction between pressure control and flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical peristaltic pumping action is replaced with a gravity-driven flow system controlled by an electronic valve. This substitution eliminates the inherent pulsatility of peristaltic pumps while maintaining precise pressure control through electronic regulation, thereby achieving both stable non-pulsatile flow and accurate pressure management.
4Measurement precision
If fluid collection canisters are used to collect returned fluid, then fluid deficit monitoring is possible, but procedure must be interrupted when canisters become full
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is segmented into multiple smaller canisters that can be independently monitored and replaced. When one canister becomes full, the system can switch to another canister without interrupting the surgical procedure, thereby maintaining continuous fluid collection and deficit monitoring while improving procedural productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to maintain continuous fluid collection capability through multiple canisters or automatic transfer mechanisms. When one collection container reaches capacity, the system automatically switches to another container or transfers fluid, ensuring that fluid collection and deficit monitoring continue without interruption to the surgical procedure.
5Temperature
If warming cabinets are used to pre-warm fluid bags, then fluid temperature control is improved, but fluid may become dangerously hot or cool to room temperature
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are integrated into the fluid warming system to continuously monitor fluid temperature. The system uses feedback control to adjust heating elements, ensuring the fluid reaches and maintains a safe target temperature without becoming overheated or cooling down, thereby improving both temperature control precision and safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on real-time temperature measurements. By changing heating power levels in response to temperature feedback, the system maintains fluid temperature within a safe and effective range, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling while ensuring reliable temperature control throughout the surgical procedure.
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 provides steady distention and clear visualization during surgeries by controlling fluid pressure and temperature, accurately monitors fluid deficits, and streamlines fluid collection, reducing interruptions and improving waste management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum opening is in fluid communication with the third section for receiving a vacuum pressure that causes a negative pressure in the chamber and pulls fluid from the surgical site through the inlet opening and into the first section
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid management systems are disclosed that include software-controlled, electro-mechanical devices used in combination with single-use or multi-use tubing sets. Functions of the fluid management systems can include fluid pressurization, fluid warming, fluid deficit monitoring (including flow-based and weight-based), suction, fluid collection, and fluid evacuation (including indirect-to-drain and direct-to-drain options). The systems can be configured based on the surgical environment (e.g., operating room or physician office) as well as other user needs and/or preferences.