Multi-Lumen Sheath Atomization for Uniform Endoscopic Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for endoscopic delivery of agents face challenges in applying agents evenly to treatment sites due to rough surfaces and poor visibility, leading to incomplete protection and healing of tissues.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a multi-lumen sheath that separates agents and pressurized gas, allowing for atomization at the distal end to deliver an atomized agent to treatment sites, promoting healing and reducing procedural time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-lumen device is used for fluid delivery, then the device structure is simple, but the agent cannot be uniformly applied to rough treatment sites
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple lumens within the sheath, with each lumen serving a specific function (fluid delivery, gas delivery, control member). This segmentation allows separate control of fluid and gas flow paths, enabling uniform agent application through coordinated operation while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control member is nested within the sheath lumen, and the distal wall can be positioned at different locations within the sheath. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components to be integrated within a single device body, achieving complex functionality without proportionally increasing external dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the seal is positioned to permit fluid flow around the second distal wall, then the agent can reach the treatment site, but fluid may leak into unintended spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The seal can be positioned at different locations along the sheath depending on the operational phase: in the first configuration it seals against the second distal wall to prevent leakage, and in the second configuration it permits flow around the second distal wall to deliver agent to the treatment site. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between reliable fluid control and effective agent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of seal position to control fluid flow behavior. By transitioning the seal between different axial positions, the system switches between two distinct flow regimes: one where fluid is contained and another where fluid flows around the second distal wall. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both reliable control and effective delivery at different times.
3Manufacturing precision
If the agent is delivered as a liquid stream, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the application to rough surfaces is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic atomization where pressurized gas is introduced through a dedicated lumen to break up the liquid agent stream into fine droplets. The gas flow interacts with the liquid at the distal end, creating an atomized spray that can uniformly coat rough treatment surfaces. This pneumatic mechanism transforms a simple liquid delivery system into one capable of precise, uniform application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameter of the agent from a continuous liquid stream to an atomized spray. By introducing gas flow and controlling the interaction between gas and liquid phases, the system transforms the agent delivery mode to achieve uniform coverage on rough surfaces while managing the complexity through integrated multi-lumen design.
4Reliability
If the seal is in the proximal position, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the agent cannot flow around the second distal wall to the treatment site
Solution Approach 1:
The seal position is dynamically adjusted between two extreme configurations. In the first configuration, the seal is proximal to prevent fluid leakage and maintain containment. In the second configuration, the seal moves to a distal position that permits fluid to flow around the second distal wall and reach the treatment site. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve both fluid containment and agent delivery at different operational stages.
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 device ensures uniform application of agents, enhancing tissue protection and healing while minimizing procedural time by using a multi-lumen sheath to atomize and deliver agents effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the seal may have a proximal position relative to the second distal wall, such that the seal inhibits fluid flow around the second distal wall. In a second configuration, the seal may have a distal position relative to the second distal wall, such that the seal is configured to permit fluid flow around the second distal wall
Implementation Method 2
Upon delivery of a fluid from the first lumen into the first space and a gas from the second lumen into the first space, the gas may at least partially atomize the fluid in the first space
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may include a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending within the sheath from the proximal end to the distal end; a first distal wall disposed within the lumen of the sheath; a second distal wall disposed proximally of the first distal wall; and a seal disposed within a second space defined between the first distal wall and the second distal wall. A first space may be defined distally of the first distal wall. In a first configuration, the seal may have a proximal position relative to the second distal wall, such that the seal inhibits fluid flow around the second distal wall. In a second configuration, the seal may have a distal position relative to the second distal wall, such that the seal is configured to permit fluid flow around the second distal wall and into the first space.