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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems for hysteroscopic resection of uterine fibroids face challenges such as fluid uptake by cut blood vessels, leading to complications, and require large diameter instruments necessitating anesthesia, while existing resectoscopes need cervical dilation, limiting their use.
Innovation Solution
A fibroid treatment system with a controller, inflow and outflow pumps, and a motor-driven resecting device with a diameter of 2.4-3.8 mm, capable of maintaining target pressure and activating/deactivating based on fluid pressure signals, and a fluid management system with controllers to regulate pump speeds and provide warnings for fluid loss or blocked flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional resectoscopes are used for fibroid resection, then effective tissue removal is achieved, but large diameter instruments are required necessitating anesthesia and cervical dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteroscope is divided into modular components including a distal end portion with resecting device, an intermediate portion with fluid management system, and a proximal handle. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling small overall diameter while maintaining full functionality for fibroid resection without requiring anesthesia or cervical dilation
Solution Approach 2:
The resecting device, fluid management system, and other functional components are nested within the hysteroscope shaft in a compact arrangement. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization within the small diameter constraint, allowing all necessary functions to be integrated into a minimally invasive instrument
2Area of stationary object
If fluid is administered under high pressure to distend the uterine cavity, then adequate working space is created, but fluid uptake by cut blood vessels occurs leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid management system with pressure sensors and flow meters provides continuous feedback on intrauterine pressure and fluid absorption rates. The system automatically adjusts inflow pressure and rate to maintain optimal distension while preventing dangerous fluid uptake by cut vessels, thereby creating adequate working space without compromising patient safety
Solution Approach 2:
A specially formulated distension fluid with controlled osmolarity and viscosity acts as an intermediary between the surgical field and the patient's circulatory system. This intermediate fluid reduces the risk of harmful uptake by cut vessels while still providing effective cavity distension for safe surgical operation
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
Enables effective resection and removal of fibroid tissue through a small diameter hysteroscope, reducing complications and anesthesia requirements, while maintaining controlled fluid pressure and preventing fluid uptake by cut vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The controller can be configured to actuate the inflow and outflow pumps in response to signals of fluid pressure in the uterine cavity
Implementation Method 2
an inflow pump operated by the controller and configured to provide fluid inflow through a flow path to a patient's uterine cavity
Implementation Method 3
an outflow pump operated by the controller and configured to provide fluid outflow through a flow path to the uterine cavity
Implementation Method 4
a motor driven resecting device operated by the controller... adapted to remove fibroid tissue at a rate of at least 2 gm/min
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system for use in a tissue resection procedure includes a controller. An inflow pump is operated by the controller and configured to provide fluid inflow through a flow path to a site in patient's body. An outflow pump is operated by the controller and configured to provide fluid outflow through a flow path from the site in patient's body. A motor driven resecting device may be provided for resecting tissue at the site. The controller is configured to actuate an inflow pump and an outflow pump in response to various signals and various algorithms are provided to provide malfunction warnings and assure safe operation.