Modular Fluid Management With Non-Pulsatile Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in surgical procedures face issues with poor fluid pressure control, pulsatile fluid flow, inadequate temperature control, manual fluid deficit monitoring, and inefficient fluid collection and disposal, leading to interruptions and biohazardous waste handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid management system with a cartridge assembly, non-contact sensors, and a control system that includes a pump, user interface, and optional modules for fluid conditioning, warming, and suction regulation, enabling precise fluid control, automated deficit monitoring, and integrated fluid collection and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If peristaltic pumps are used to provide good pressure control, then fluid pressure control is improved, but the pulsatile nature of the fluid flow impairs distention and visualization at the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
A compliance chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the peristaltic pump and the surgical site. This chamber acts as a buffer that absorbs the pulsatile output from the pump and delivers a steady, non-pulsatile flow to the surgical site, thereby maintaining both good pressure control and flow stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of fluid delivery by using a peristaltic pump with adjustable speed and pulse width modulation to control the pumping characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes pressure control while minimizing pulsation effects on the surgical site.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gravity is used to provide non-pulsatile fluid flow, then fluid flow stability is improved, but fluid pressure control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control system with a compliance chamber and flow regulator acts as an intermediary between the gravity-fed fluid source and the surgical site. This intermediary system maintains the stable non-pulsatile flow from gravity while adding precise electronic pressure control capabilities through sensors and adjustable pumping mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pressure cuffs or chambers are used to provide non-pulsatile fluid flow, then fluid flow stability is improved, but fluid pressure control is poor unless pressure is constantly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the fluid pressure within the compliance chamber. This feedback is fed to a controller that continuously adjusts the peristaltic pump speed to maintain the desired pressure setpoint, enabling both stable non-pulsatile flow and precise pressure control through closed-loop feedback.
4Quantity of substance
If fluid collection canisters are used to collect returned fluid, then fluid collection is achieved, but the procedure must be interrupted when canisters become full for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid collection system is segmented into multiple smaller canisters that can be independently filled and emptied. When one canister becomes full, the system automatically switches to another canister without requiring procedural interruption, thereby maintaining continuous fluid collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic emptying and reuse of fluid collection canisters. When a canister reaches its capacity, it is automatically emptied and prepared for reuse, eliminating the need for manual replacement and reducing procedural interruptions while maintaining continuous collection capability.
5Productivity
If external suction sources are set to high suction levels, then fluid removal efficiency is improved, but down-regulation is necessary for proper operation of fluid outflow regulation and deficit monitoring functions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system uses dynamic regulation through electronically controlled variable speed motors or electronically controlled pressure regulators. This allows the suction level to be dynamically adjusted from high for efficient fluid removal to lower levels for precise outflow regulation and deficit monitoring, providing both high productivity and ease of operation through electronic control.
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 stable fluid pressure and temperature control, automated fluid deficit monitoring, and efficient fluid collection and disposal, reducing procedural interruptions and improving surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
heating element... fluid temperature sensor aligned with the outlet chamber
Implementation Method 3
IR lamp assembly... fluid warming cartridge
Implementation Method 4
non-contact sensors... detect at least one characteristic of the fluid moving through the cartridge
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.