Multi-Lumen Surgical Drainage With Bedside Site Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical assessment methodologies, relying on clinical, laboratory, and imaging techniques, are indirect and lack a bedside diagnostic and interventional tool for precise and timely detection of post-surgical complications such as bleeding, abscess, and leakage, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates due to delayed evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical drain device with multiple lumens, including a flexible outer tube with ports, a fluid-draining first tube, and a second tube with a camera at the distal end for real-time monitoring and treatment, allowing direct visualization and intervention at the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current indirect assessment methods (clinical, laboratory, imaging) are used to evaluate post-surgical complications, then patients can be monitored, but the assessment is delayed by days and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct visualization system with a camera and light source that serves as an intermediary between the surgical site and the clinician. This allows real-time direct observation of the surgical site conditions (bleeding, abscess, leakage) without relying on indirect clinical signs or delayed imaging, thereby improving both detection precision and eliminating time delays associated with traditional assessment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/imaging-based assessment system (requiring CT scans, labs, physical exams) with an optical system consisting of a camera and light source. This optical system enables direct visualization of the surgical site through the drainage tube, providing immediate and precise detection of complications without the delays inherent in conventional imaging and laboratory methods
2Measurement precision
If patients return to the operating room for evaluation of complications, then direct assessment can be performed, but morbidity increases due to repeated surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing drainage tube as an intermediary pathway to introduce a camera and light source into the surgical site. This allows direct visualization and assessment of complications through the drainage tube without requiring return to the operating room, thereby maintaining direct assessment capability while avoiding the morbidity associated with repeated surgical interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the drainage tube to serve dual purposes: both drainage and diagnostic visualization. By integrating the camera and light source into the existing drainage infrastructure, the system allows the tube to perform self-assessment functions, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic procedures and avoiding repeated surgical interventions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lumens are included in the drainage tube, then both drainage and visualization functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating both drainage and visualization capabilities into a single drainage tube system. The tube includes multiple lumens: one for fluid drainage and another for accommodating the camera and light source, allowing the same device to perform both drainage and diagnostic functions, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical drain for monitoring an internal site in a patient. The surgical drain can include an outer flexible tube, a first tube, and a second tube. The outer flexible tube can include a plurality of ports extending from a proximal end to a distal patient end. The first tube can be inserted within the first port, having at least one lumen side extending therethrough in fluid communication with a collection device. The first tube is configured to drain fluid from an internal site in the patient to the collection device. The second tube can extend through a second port having a camera at the distal patient end of the second tube.