Sensor-Guided Fluid Flow Control for Ureteroscopy Pressure Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery methods in flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) procedures lack real-time monitoring and control, leading to potential patient harm due to unknown intraluminal pressure and visibility issues, which can cause complications such as bacterial absorption, lymph node reflux, and renal injury.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system with a pump, processor, and sensor-equipped scope device that adjusts fluid flow rate based on real-time sensor data, including pressure and visual feedback, to maintain a target range and ensure safe surgical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high perfusion flow rate is used to achieve clear visibility, then surgical field visualization is improved, but intraluminal pressure becomes too high causing bacterial absorption and renal injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors intraluminal pressure through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control algorithm. When pressure exceeds the predetermined safe threshold, the system automatically reduces the fluid flow rate to prevent harmful effects while maintaining visibility within safe pressure limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm dynamically adjusts the fluid flow rate parameter based on real-time pressure measurements. By changing the flow rate parameter in response to pressure conditions, the system maintains optimal visualization while preventing harmful intraluminal pressure buildup.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low pressure fluid circulation is used to prevent patient harm, then safety is improved, but surgical field visualization deteriorates due to insufficient clearing of blood and clots
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed-pressure fluid delivery to dynamic, adaptive pressure control. The fluid flow rate continuously adjusts based on real-time pressure feedback, allowing the system to optimize between safety and visualization needs during different phases of the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control algorithm modifies the fluid flow rate parameter dynamically based on intraluminal pressure conditions. When pressure is within safe limits, the system increases flow rate to improve clearing and visualization. When pressure approaches unsafe levels, the system reduces flow rate to maintain safety.
3Device complexity
If manual fluid delivery methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but real-time pressure monitoring and control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of fluid flow rate based on intraluminal pressure conditions. The integrated sensors and control algorithm enable the system to autonomously maintain safe operating parameters without requiring constant manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: fluid delivery, pressure monitoring, real-time data processing, and automatic flow rate adjustment. This multi-functional integration provides comprehensive pressure management while maintaining a relatively compact system architecture.
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 provides real-time control of fluid flow and pressure, enhancing surgical visibility and safety by preventing high intraluminal pressures and maintaining optimal surgical conditions, thereby reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to pump fluid from a fluid supply source through the system at a fluid flow rate
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a pressure transducer
Implementation Method 3
a heating assembly, the heating assembly configured to heat the fluid to a target temperature
Implementation Method 4
a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the fluid bag in real time
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid management system includes a pump configured to pump fluid through the system at a fluid flow rate. The system includes a processor including a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to input a set of system operating parameters, the processor being configured to control the pump to maintain a target fluid flow rate based on the set of system operating parameters. The system further includes a scope device coupled to the pump to deliver fluid to a target surgical site, the scope device including an elongated shaft extending from a distal end thereof, the elongated shaft including at least one sensor, the sensor transmitting sensor data relating to target surgical site to the processor. The processor automatically signals to the pump to adjust the fluid flow rate based on the sensor data.