Multi-cannula Negative Pressure Irrigation System for Root Canal Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative pressure irrigation systems for root canals face issues such as port clogging due to debris, limited multi-cannular cleaning capability, and the need for constant clinician attention for solution replenishment, increasing the time and effort required for endodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cannular negative pressure irrigation system with needles featuring two triangular suction inlet ports at the closed distal end, connected to a dental vacuum system via a suction manifold, and an irrigant inlet tube with a tapered end for efficient solution delivery and simultaneous cleaning of multiple canals, using a light-cure polymer to create a sealed system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple suction ports are placed along the needle, then cleaning coverage is improved, but port clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the suction function from multiple distributed ports and concentrates it into a single large-diameter distal port. This removes the clogging problem associated with multiple small ports while maintaining effective cleaning through the single large aperture that can accommodate debris without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of port diameter from small (in prior art multiple ports) to large (single distal port). This parameter change allows the port to handle larger debris particles without clogging, while the negative pressure gradient along the needle ensures adequate suction coverage throughout the canal system.
2Reliability
If NPI is used in multi-cannular teeth, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but clinician time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irrigation system into multiple needles (e.g., 2-4 needles) that can simultaneously treat multiple canals. Each needle independently irrigates and evacuates one canal, allowing parallel processing of multi-cannular teeth without requiring the clinician to repeatedly position a single needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single NPI apparatus with multiple needles can handle both single-canal and multi-canal treatments. The system universally addresses various canal configurations through the use of multiple needles connected to a common vacuum source and solution reservoir.
3Reliability
If constant solution replenishment is required, then irrigation effectiveness is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous irrigation through a closed system where solution is continuously delivered from the reservoir through the needles and waste is continuously evacuated. The negative pressure gradient maintains constant flow without requiring manual intervention to replenish solution, enabling uninterrupted irrigation throughout the procedure.
4Length of moving object
If small port diameter is used, then needle size is reduced, but debris clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the port diameter parameter to be large relative to the needle size. The distal port diameter is specifically designed to be larger than typical debris particles (e.g., larger than 0.5 mm) to prevent clogging, while the overall needle dimensions remain appropriate for clinical use in root canals.
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 effectively reduces clogging, allows for simultaneous cleaning of multiple canals, and decreases the clinician's time and effort by maintaining a closed system vacuum, significantly reducing the time needed for root canal cleaning from 40 minutes to 10 minutes in multi-cannular teeth.
Implementation Method 1
negative pressure irrigation system
Implementation Method 2
the suction system found in every dental office
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a negative pressure irrigation system including one or more negative pressure irrigation needles sized for insertion into a canal of a tooth, each needle having a closed distal end and two suction inlet ports located opposite one another immediately proximal to the closed distal end. The needles are placed in communication with a dental vacuum system by way of a suction manifold. An irrigant inlet tube supplies irrigant from an irrigant container into a pulp chamber or a tooth. The irrigant inlet tube may include a tapered end designed to tightly fit into a lateral irrigant supply port previously drilled into the pulp chamber. A light-cure polymer seals the inlet tube and needles when in use.