Stone Removal Basket With Imaging-Based Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stone removal methods, such as basket catheters, struggle with removing gallstones and kidney stones larger than 10 mm, and can cause damage due to uneven shapes or sizes, leading to pain and injury in the ureter.
Innovation Solution
A stone removing apparatus with an imaging unit and control unit to measure stone size accurately by taking images of the stone's outer shape, using a basket to grasp and rotate the stone, and calculating its size based on distance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basket catheter is used to remove stones, then small stones (diameter ≤ 10 mm) can be removed, but large stones (diameter > 10 mm) cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing large stones into smaller fragments using a lithotripsy device before removal. The basket catheter is used to grasp the fragmented pieces, which are then individually removed through the ureter. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the basket to handle stones of various original sizes through the fragmentation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing lithotripsy (stone fragmentation) before the actual stone removal process. The imaging unit captures images of the stone, and based on the stone's size and characteristics, fragmentation is performed in advance to prepare the stone for subsequent removal by the basket catheter.
2Ease of operation
If a basket is used to grasp and remove stones, then stones can be extracted, but uneven or sharp parts of stones may scratch and cut the ureter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing lithotripsy to fragment the stone before removal, creating smaller, less hazardous pieces. Additionally, the imaging unit captures images of the stone's surface characteristics in advance, allowing the operator to assess potential hazards and adjust the removal strategy accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the imaging unit to continuously monitor the stone's characteristics, shape, and position during the removal process. This real-time imaging feedback allows the operator to adjust the basket's grasping force and removal speed to minimize ureter damage from sharp or irregular stone surfaces.
3Productivity
If the maximum size of protrusions on a stone is not measured exactly, then removal may be attempted, but protrusions larger than the ureter diameter will scratch the ureter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and estimation of stone dimensions with an automated imaging and measurement system. The imaging unit captures high-resolution images of the stone, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the maximum protrusion dimensions, providing precise measurements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement and analysis system between the stone and the removal process. The imaging unit and image processing software serve as intermediaries that objectively measure stone dimensions and provide data-driven guidance for safe removal, eliminating the need for direct physical measurement that could cause damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lithotripsy is performed on large stones before removal, then stones can be broken down, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging, measurement, and lithotripsy functions into a single integrated system. The imaging unit not only captures images for measurement but also guides the lithotripsy process, allowing fragmentation to occur within the same procedural framework rather than as separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically measure stone dimensions and calculate fragmentation requirements based on imaging data. The system self-adjusts the lithotripsy parameters based on the measured stone characteristics, reducing the need for manual intervention and procedural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a stone removing apparatus and a stone size measuring method, which can take a picture of a stone and measure the size of the stone in order to stably remove the stone without damaging a human body. The stone removing apparatus includes: an insertion tube having an inner space; a guide tube inserted into the inner space of the insertion tube to be moved; a wire inserted into the guide tube to be movable; a basket disposed at the front of the wire to grasp a stone; an imaging unit disposed at the front end of the guide tube in order to take an image of a stone grasped by the basket; and a control unit electrically connected with the imaging part to analyze the image taken by the imaging unit, wherein the control unit calculates a distance between the imaging unit and the basket to measure the actual size of the stone using the calculated distance.