Multi-Measurement Probe with Actuation System

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical procedures require multiple probe insertions through body orifices or small holes for measuring different parameters, increasing complexity and trauma to the patient, as existing probes can only measure one parameter at a time and necessitate repeated exchanges for comprehensive data collection.

Innovation Solution

A multi-measurement probe with an elongated shaft housing multiple axial holding tube projections for various measurement probes, including temperature, pressure, conductivity, pH, and oxygen level, equipped with an actuation system allowing selective deployment and retraction of probes from a single entry point, enabling simultaneous or sequential measurement of multiple parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple separate probes are inserted to measure different parameters, then comprehensive measurement data is obtained, but patient trauma and procedure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measurement probes (temperature, pressure, flow, oxygen saturation) into a single integrated probe assembly that can be inserted through one body orifice. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one device reduces patient trauma by eliminating the need for multiple separate insertions while maintaining the ability to collect comprehensive physiological data from the body cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe assembly is designed with multi-functionality to perform various measurement tasks simultaneously. It includes multiple sensors capable of measuring temperature, pressure, fluid flow rate, and oxygen saturation levels, allowing a single probe to replace multiple specialized probes and provide comprehensive monitoring of different physiological parameters at the treatment site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If multiple separate probes are used to measure different parameters, then comprehensive data is collected, but procedure time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measurement probes (temperature, pressure, flow, oxygen saturation) into a single integrated probe assembly that can be inserted through one body orifice. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one device reduces patient trauma by eliminating the need for multiple separate insertions while maintaining the ability to collect comprehensive physiological data from the body cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe assembly enables continuous simultaneous measurement of multiple physiological parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate, oxygen saturation) at the treatment site. This continuous multi-parameter monitoring eliminates the need for sequential probe exchanges and diagnostic imaging performed after procedure completion, allowing real-time assessment of ablation efficacy throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of information

If multiple separate probes are inserted through different body orifices, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but surgical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measurement probes (temperature, pressure, flow, oxygen saturation) into a single integrated probe assembly that can be inserted through one body orifice. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one device reduces patient trauma by eliminating the need for multiple separate insertions while maintaining the ability to collect comprehensive physiological data from the body cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe assembly employs a nested structure where multiple measurement sensors are housed within concentric tubes or channels. The temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, and oxygen saturation sensor are arranged in a nested configuration within the single probe body, allowing all sensors to be delivered through one insertion site while maintaining their individual measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8672923B2Automated probe placement device

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A probe includes a handle and an elongated shaft with proximal and distal ends. The elongated shaft includes a plurality of axial holding tube projections to house a corresponding plurality of measurement probes. The probe further includes an actuation system to operably engage each of the plurality of measurement probes to permit selective actuation thereof. Each of the plurality of measurement probes is capable of being advanced distally relative to the handle in response to the actuation thereof. The plurality of measurement probes measure one or more parameters selected from a group consisting of temperature, physiological pressure, conductivity, aquametry, pH level, and oxygen level.