Proportional Insufflation Valve Control for Stable Pneumoperitoneum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical gas delivery systems, such as those using solenoid valves, lack the ability to dynamically control gas flow rates, leading to instability and inefficiencies, particularly in maintaining stable pneumoperitoneum during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical gas delivery system utilizing proportional valves for precise control of gas flow, including a gaseous sealing manifold, insufflation manifold, and compressor, with multiple proportional outlet line valves to maintain stable cavity pressure and adjust flow rates dynamically, incorporating pressure sensors and a UVC irradiator for sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to control insufflation gas flow, then the system structure is simple, but the gas flow rate cannot be controlled dynamically and pressure stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static solenoid valves with dynamic proportional valves that can continuously adjust their opening degree to modulate gas flow rates. The proportional valves respond to control signals to vary the effective orifice area, enabling real-time dynamic control of insufflation gas flow to maintain stable intraperitoneal pressure during surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical valve seals are used in trocars, then the sealing mechanism is simple, but gas leakage occurs during instrument insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membrane seals instead of conventional mechanical valve seals. The membrane seal is a thin, elastic barrier that automatically conforms to the shape and size of inserted instruments, maintaining gas tight sealing during instrument insertion, removal, and manipulation. This flexible sealing approach eliminates gas leakage while accommodating various surgical instruments without complex mechanical valve mechanisms.
3Volume of stationary object
If high flow rates are delivered to maintain pneumoperitoneum, then the operating space is adequate, but pressure oscillation and pneumatic hammer occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where intraperitoneal pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure levels and feed this information to a controller. The controller adjusts the proportional valve opening degree in real-time based on pressure feedback, dynamically balancing gas inflow to maintain adequate pneumoperitoneum volume while preventing pressure oscillation and pneumatic hammer effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The proportional valves provide dynamic flow modulation capability, allowing the system to adjust gas delivery rates continuously rather than in fixed steps. This dynamic control enables smooth transitions in flow rates, preventing sudden pressure changes and pneumatic hammer while maintaining adequate insufflation volume for surgical access.
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 achieves stable gas flow rates, reduces pressure oscillation, eliminates pneumatic hammer, and ensures accurate pressure measurement, enhancing the stability and efficiency of minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
UVC irradiator for sterilization
Implementation Method 2
a first proportional outlet line valve operatively associated with the insufflation manifold for dynamically controlling a flow of insufflation gas
Implementation Method 3
a compressor for recirculating gas through the gas sealed access port by way of the gaseous sealing manifold
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed for gas sealed insufflation and recirculation, which includes a gaseous sealing manifold for communicating with a gas sealed access port, an insufflation manifold for communicating with the gas sealed access port and with a valve sealed access port, a compressor for recirculating gas through the gas sealed access port by way of the gaseous sealing manifold, a first outlet line valve associated with the insufflation manifold for controlling a flow of insufflation gas to the gas sealed access port, a second outlet line valve associated with the insufflation manifold for controlling a flow of insufflation gas to the valve sealed access port, and a proportional valve associated the insufflation manifold and located upstream from the first and second outlet line valves for dynamically controlling the flow of insufflation gas to the first and second outlet line valves.