Self-Contained Powered Lavage Handle for Laparoscopic Irrigation and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lavage devices for laparoscopic procedures are hindered by external energy sources and complex controls, making it difficult for operators to maneuver freely during and after procedures, as they require external pumps and complex peripheral controls for irrigation and suction functions.
Innovation Solution
A lavage handle with a fluid-displacing mechanism integrated within the handle, featuring an actuation mechanism and feedback system, allowing for both irrigation and suction functions to be performed without external energy sources, with options for actuation mechanisms like toggle switches, rheostats, and spring-resistive triggers, and feedback mechanisms providing alerts through audio, visual, or mechanical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external energy sources and complex peripheral controls are used for irrigation and suction functions, then the functional capabilities of the lavage device are improved, but the ease of operation and maneuverability deteriorate due to the weight and complexity of external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy source (battery), fluid-displacing mechanism (pump), and control system into a single self-contained lavage handle unit. This merging of previously separate external components into one integrated device eliminates the need for cumbersome external equipment while maintaining full irrigation and suction functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between functional capabilities and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lavage handle is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both irrigation and suction operations through a single integrated unit. The fluid-displacing mechanism can operate in multiple modes (irrigation, suction, or both simultaneously) controlled by a single actuation mechanism on the handle, providing universal functionality without requiring multiple separate devices or external equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external pumps and complex peripheral controls are used for irrigation and suction, then the operational functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to maneuver freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the pump mechanism, battery power source, control circuitry, and actuation interface into a single integrated lavage handle. This merging eliminates the need for complex external piping, separate control units, and multiple peripheral components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full operational functionality for irrigation and suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lavage handle is designed as a self-contained unit with an internal battery providing power to the fluid-displacing mechanism. The device serves itself by integrating all necessary components (power source, pump, controls) within the handle, eliminating dependence on external energy sources and complex peripheral equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid-displacing mechanism is physically incorporated within the handle body, then the ease of operation and portability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested design where the fluid-displacing mechanism (pump) is housed within the handle body, and the battery is integrated into the same structure. This nesting of components within the compact handle assembly achieves portability and ease of operation while organizing complex manufacturing requirements into a structured, space-efficient configuration that facilitates assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the fluid-displacing mechanism, battery, and control systems into a single merged handle unit creates a compact, portable device. While this merging increases manufacturing complexity compared to separate components, it enables the handheld portability and operational ease that are critical for laparoscopic procedures, representing an acceptable trade-off achieved through careful component integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A lavage handle for facilitating at least one of an irrigation function and a suctioning function at a target zone preferably includes a portable body, a power-operated fluid-displacing mechanism in communication with said body wherein said fluid-displacing mechanism has one of a first operating mode for inducing outward irrigation of fluid towards the target zone and a second operating mode for inducing inward suction of fluid from the target zone. An actuation mechanism is located at said body and operable communicated with said fluid-displacing mechanism such that said fluid-displacing mechanism is selectively operated in at least one of said first operating mode and said second operating mode. The actuation mechanism may include an irrigation-inducing mechanism and/or a suction-inducing mechanism.