Portable Suction Regulator with Balloon for Endoscopic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current suction devices used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures are imprecise in modulating suction force, leading to issues like loss of visualization, air bubble trapping, and stone fragments getting stuck in the tubing, which affects the effectiveness of the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A portable suction device with a suction regulator that can be actuated to increase or decrease suction force, integrated with the endoscope system, allowing for precise control of suction through adjustable valves or clamping components, and a control device for manual or motorized adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If clamping or kinking of suction tubing is used to modulate suction, then suction force can be reduced, but precision of suction control deteriorates and constant adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction forceVSAvoidprecision of suction control

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suction regulator device incorporates a balloon that can be dynamically inflated or deflated to adjust suction force. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows precise control of suction levels without requiring constant manual intervention or imprecise clamping methods. The balloon's volume can be varied to modulate the suction force applied to the endoscope system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon acts as an intermediary element between the suction source and the suction tube. By placing the balloon within the suction tubing, it mediates the suction force transmission, allowing for controlled reduction of suction pressure when inflated. This intermediary approach provides smoother and more precise control compared to direct clamping or kinking of the tubing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If excessive suction force is applied, then stone fragments are removed more effectively, but loss of visualization occurs and air bubbles are trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone fragment removal efficiencyVSAvoidloss of visualization and air bubble trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic inflation and deflation of the balloon enables real-time adjustment of suction force. When visualization is compromised or air bubbles are trapped, the balloon can be inflated to reduce suction force. When stone fragment removal efficiency needs improvement, the balloon can be deflated to increase suction force. This dynamic control allows optimization of both productivity and prevention of harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables feedback-based suction control where the operator can observe visualization quality and stone removal progress, then adjust balloon inflation accordingly. If air bubbles are trapped or visualization is lost, the operator inflates the balloon to reduce suction. If stone fragments need more effective removal, the operator deflates the balloon to increase suction. This feedback loop prevents harmful effects while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If insufficient suction force is applied, then visualization is maintained, but stone fragments accumulate and buildup occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidstone fragment removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The balloon's dynamic volume adjustment allows the operator to increase suction force by deflating the balloon when stone fragment accumulation is observed, while maintaining good visualization by inflating the balloon when visualization quality deteriorates. This dynamic control optimizes the balance between productivity and visualization quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Force

If wall or floor-based suction devices are used, then suction force is strong, but portability and ease of operation during procedures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction forceVSAvoidportability and ease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system is segmented into a permanent wall/floor-based suction source and a portable suction regulator device with balloon that can be moved and adjusted at the procedure site. The balloon-containing regulator device is the portable component that provides ease of operation, while the wall/floor device provides strong suction force. This segmentation combines the advantages of both strong suction and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20220273860A1Portable suction devices, systems, and methods for controlling suction using same

Publication Date: 2022.09.01 THE RES FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a devices and methods to control suction during medical procedures, and more particularly to medical suction devices, systems, and methods for controlling suction using the portable suction devices/systems during endoscopic procedures. For example, the present disclosure includes a portable suction device in fluid communication with an endoscope system, the portable suction device including: a suction regulator device releasably coupled to and in communication with at least one suction tube of the endoscope system, the at least one suction tube in fluid communication with an endoscope of the endoscope system and a suction source of the endoscope system, wherein the suction regulator device is actuatable to at least one of increase or decrease a suction force within the at least one suction tube.