Renal Sheath with Adjustable Valve for Fragment Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of renal stone fragments from the body is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need to repeatedly insert and withdraw ureteroscopes and retrieval devices, especially when fragments are too large to pass through the working channel.
Innovation Solution
A sheath device with an adjustable valve assembly, including a connector and an elastic member, allows for the insertion and retrieval of stone fragments by expanding the lumen to accommodate larger fragments and facilitating suction through a laser-resistant material, enabling simultaneous aspiration of multiple fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a retrieval device is used to remove stone fragments, then stone fragments can be removed from the body, but the procedure becomes time-consuming when fragments are too large to fit through the working channel
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath device incorporates a dynamic valve assembly that can transition between open and closed states. The valve includes an elastic member that can be compressed to open the lumen for fragment insertion, then automatically closes to secure the fragment. This dynamic mechanism allows the device to adapt its configuration based on the size of stone fragments being removed, eliminating the need to withdraw and reinsert the ureteroscope for each fragment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath device acts as an intermediary tool between the ureteroscope and the stone fragments. By introducing this intermediate sheath with its expandable lumen and valve mechanism, the system can capture and secure fragments of various sizes without requiring repeated insertion and withdrawal of the main ureteroscope, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining removal effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the ureteroscope and retrieval device are withdrawn to remove large fragments, then fragments can be removed, but the device complexity increases due to repeated insertion and withdrawal cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly's dynamic opening and closing capability allows the sheath to transition from a closed state during insertion to an open state for fragment capture, then automatically close to secure the fragment. This single dynamic mechanism replaces the complex repetitive cycle of withdrawing and reinserting the entire ureteroscope and retrieval device assembly, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining fragment removal capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lumen is expanded to accommodate larger fragments, then larger stone fragments can be removed, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly utilizes an elastic member whose physical parameters (compression, expansion, flexibility) are optimized to control the lumen's opening and closing. By carefully selecting the elastic material and its mechanical properties, the design achieves adaptable fragment size accommodation through simple compression and relaxation actions, avoiding the need for complex mechanical valve mechanisms while maintaining versatility.
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 sheath device enhances the efficiency of renal stone fragment removal by allowing for the simultaneous aspiration of multiple fragments, reducing procedure time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is configured to operate as a valve. The elastic member defines a lumen.
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a sheath device includes a sheath shaft defining a lumen. The sheath shaft is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient. The sheath device includes a valve assembly coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath shaft. The valve assembly includes a connector and an elastic member. The elastic member is coupled to the connector. The connector includes an arm portion that extends from a sidewall of the connector. The elastic member is configured to operate as a valve. The elastic member defines a lumen.