Rectal Probe Balloon Assembly for Precise Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rectal temperature sensing probes lack an effective mechanism to maintain optimal positioning against the rectal wall during transurethral microwave thermotherapy, leading to potential rectal tissue damage due to inadequate temperature monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A rectal temperature sensing probe assembly comprising a reusable handle and a disposable balloon/sleeve assembly, where the balloon portion is inflated to engage the rectal wall, ensuring precise positioning of the temperature sensor array and preventing rectal tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple temperature probe is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature sensor cannot maintain optimal positioning against the rectal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into separate functional components: a reusable handle containing the temperature sensor array and a disposable balloon assembly. This segmentation allows the balloon to be inflated to secure the sensor against the rectal wall while keeping the sensor array separate and replaceable, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon serves as an intermediary element between the probe handle and the rectal wall. When inflated, it mediates the positioning force to press the temperature sensor array against the rectal wall, ensuring optimal thermal contact and measurement accuracy without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the temperature sensor is positioned away from the rectal wall, then the device is easier to operate, but temperature monitoring accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inflated with fluid to create radial expansion force that secures the temperature sensor array against the rectal wall. This pneumatic mechanism provides easy insertion followed by automatic securing through inflation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If a disposable balloon assembly is added, then temperature monitoring reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into separate functional components: a reusable handle containing the temperature sensor array and a disposable balloon assembly. This segmentation allows the balloon to be inflated to secure the sensor against the rectal wall while keeping the sensor array separate and replaceable, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon assembly is pre-formed with channels and structures that guide the temperature sensor array into proper position before insertion. The inflation lumen and sensor array lumen are pre-configured to work together, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring complex real-time adjustments during use.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable temperature monitoring by maintaining the temperature sensor array in close proximity to the rectal wall, preventing rectal tissue damage and enhancing the safety and effectiveness of transurethral microwave thermotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
the balloon portion is inflated to engage the rectal wall
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable temperature sensing probe assembly comprises a temperature sensor strip extending from one end of a handle. The temperature sensor strip carries at least one temperature sensor for measuring temperature within a body cavity of a person, such as the rectum. The handle/temperature sensor strip is reversibly positionable within a unitary balloon/sleeve assembly comprised of a balloon portion and a sleeve portion. The balloon portion is comprised of a first interior space configured to hold the temperature sensor stip and a second interior space separate from the first interior space that is configured for inflation. An inflation tube has one portion sealed within the second interior space of the balloon portion and a second portion which extends through the sleeve portion for connection to a fluid source.