Suction Flow Regulator Grommet Deflection for RF Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling suction flow in medical devices, such as ablating devices, lack precision and are not user-friendly, leading to inefficient ablation procedures due to inadequate vacuum regulation, which can result in tissue clogging or excessive power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A suction flow regulator with a grommet and elastomeric element that automatically adjusts vacuum pressure by deflecting to expose holes under vacuum, maintaining a consistent volumetric flow rate and optimizing suction at the distal end of medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual clamps are used to control suction flow, then full on/full off conditions are achieved, but controllable titration at other locations is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that automatically changes its configuration in response to vacuum pressure. Under vacuum, the grommet deflects to expose holes, allowing automatic titration of suction flow without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vacuum pressure itself to control the suction flow regulation. The vacuum pressure causes the grommet to deflect and expose holes, creating a self-regulating system that automatically titrates flow based on the applied vacuum.
2Extent of automation
If holes are added to suction tubes for automatic regulation, then transparent automatic control is achieved, but user input for placing sliding cover is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet with holes automatically responds to vacuum pressure by deflecting and exposing the holes, eliminating the need for user input to activate the regulation mechanism. The system self-regulates based on the vacuum conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual sliding cover mechanism is replaced with an elastomeric grommet that uses elastic deformation under vacuum pressure to control flow, substituting mechanical user operation with automatic elastic response.
3Reliability
If high vacuum is applied to prevent tissue clogging, then aspiration effectiveness is improved, but working bubbles are swept off the electrode surface before arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet creates different vacuum conditions at different locations: higher vacuum at the proximal end to prevent clogging, and optimized vacuum at the distal end to maintain working bubbles for effective arcing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum source and the distal end, regulating and modulating the vacuum pressure to achieve optimal conditions at the electrode-tissue interface while maintaining system-wide vacuum for clogging prevention.
4Quantity of substance
If ESU power output is increased to compensate for excessive bubble removal, then sufficient bubbles are available for arcing, but power consumption increases and device safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet provides automatic feedback-based regulation where vacuum pressure controls the exposure of holes to maintain optimal bubble availability. This prevents excessive bubble removal and eliminates the need for increased power output to compensate.
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 suction flow regulator ensures optimal vacuum levels are maintained at the distal end of medical devices, preventing tissue clogging and reducing unnecessary power consumption, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the grommet is used with an additional elastomeric element (for example, a smaller grommet) that provides flexibility during vacuum exposure and deflects to expose holes in the grommet under vacuum
Implementation Method 2
the grommet is used with an additional elastomeric element (for example, a smaller grommet) that provides flexibility during vacuum exposure
Data Source
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AI summary
A suction flow regulator including an adapter and a grommet fixed inside the adapter for permitting air to access a vacuum flow path according to a vacuum level. The grommet is fixed inside an adapter by a securing mechanism (for example, a compression plate). The grommet may be used with an additional elastomeric element (for example, a smaller grommet) that provides flexibility during vacuum exposure and deflects to expose holes in the grommet under vacuum. Alternatively, the grommet may be a single piece grommet with a cantilever configuration. The disclosed suction flow regulator can be used in an aspiration system in an RF ablation device.