Non-Circular Sheath for Ureteroscopy Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures using access devices or sheaths face challenges with high intrarenal pressure, leading to adverse side effects such as pyelovenous backflow and sepsis, while existing devices struggle to optimize fluid flow and visibility during procedures like ureteroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape and positioning members to retain medical instruments, featuring a side port with a valve and collection member for fluid communication and material collection, designed to optimize fluid flow and reduce pressure during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluid volume and pressure are increased to improve visibility during the procedure, then visibility is improved, but intrarenal pressure increases causing adverse side effects such as pyelovenous backflow and sepsis
Solution Approach 1:
The access device is divided into multiple functional segments: a collapsible sheath for controlled fluid delivery, a positioning member for instrument retention, and a collection member for material retrieval. This segmentation allows optimized fluid flow through each component while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed to be collapsible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape and size. This dynamic structure enables controlled fluid delivery that improves visibility while preventing excessive pressure buildup that could cause pyelovenous backflow
2Ease of operation
If a positioning member is added to retain medical instruments within the lumen, then instrument positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is integrated directly into the sheath structure, merging the positioning function with the existing access device. This integration provides instrument retention capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is disposed within the lumen of the sheath, creating a nested structure where the positioning component is contained within the main device body. This nesting approach maintains a compact design while adding the positioning function
3Productivity
If a non-circular cross-sectional shape is used to optimize fluid flow, then fluid flow is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed with a non-circular, asymmetric cross-sectional shape that optimizes fluid flow characteristics. This asymmetric geometry enhances productivity by improving irrigation flow while the manufacturing process is configured to achieve the required precision for this specific shape
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member having a sidewall. The sidewall defines a lumen. The lumen has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.