Surgical Drape Suction Valve for Fluid Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for managing outflow during gynecological procedures face challenges in efficiently collecting and managing fluid outflow, particularly in maintaining optimal suction levels between surgical instruments and drapes to ensure effective fluid removal without compromising the suction needed for the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A collection system comprising a surgical instrument, vacuum source, collection vessels, fluid outflow and suction lines, and a valve mechanism that adjusts suction levels based on fluid presence, ensuring that the surgical drape receives increased suction when fluid is present to enhance fluid collection while maintaining sufficient suction for the surgical instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suction line is used to manage outflow from both surgical instrument and drape, then device complexity is reduced, but suction efficiency for fluid collection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into separate suction lines: a first suction line for the surgical instrument and a second suction line for the surgical drape. This segmentation allows each line to be optimized for its specific function, with the second line providing dedicated suction capacity for fluid collection from the drape, thereby improving overall fluid collection efficiency without requiring a single complex multi-function line.
Solution Approach 2:
A control valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the second suction line to regulate and increase suction levels specifically at the surgical drape when fluid is detected. This intermediary allows dynamic adjustment of suction pressure to match clinical needs, enhancing fluid collection capability while maintaining independent control over each suction pathway.
2Productivity
If suction pressure is increased to maximize fluid removal from drape, then fluid collection efficiency improves, but suction at surgical instrument may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the suction pathways into independent first and second suction lines, the system allows the vacuum source to maintain stable baseline suction for the surgical instrument while directing additional or variable suction capacity through the second line to the drape. This segmentation prevents suction fluctuations at the instrument when high suction is applied to the drape for fluid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve in the second suction line enables dynamic adjustment of suction pressure at the surgical drape based on fluid presence and collection needs. This dynamic control allows the system to increase suction pressure temporarily for efficient fluid removal while maintaining overall system stability and ensuring continuous adequate suction at the surgical instrument through the separate first suction line.
3Productivity
If continuous high suction is applied to surgical drape, then fluid collection is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve operates periodically or intermittently based on fluid detection and collection phase requirements, rather than maintaining continuous high suction. This periodic activation allows the system to apply high suction pressure only when and where fluid collection is actively needed at the surgical drape, while reducing or maintaining baseline suction at the instrument, thereby optimizing energy consumption relative to fluid collection productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control valve adjusts suction pressure in real-time based on clinical conditions, enabling the system to apply high suction only when fluid is present and collection is prioritized, rather than maintaining constant high suction. This dynamic regulation optimizes the balance between fluid collection efficiency and energy consumption by matching suction intensity to actual clinical needs.
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 system effectively manages outflow by ensuring continuous suction to both the surgical instrument and drape, optimizing fluid collection and maintaining procedural efficiency by dynamically adjusting suction levels based on fluid presence.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source, a first suction line connected between the vacuum source and the first collection vessel. The first suction line provides suction to draw fluid from the surgical instrument to the first collection vessel
Implementation Method 2
A flow restrictor is disposed along the third suction line
Implementation Method 3
The valve is opened in a pulsatile fashion when fluid is present in the surgical drape to increase a level of suction provided to the surgical drape
Implementation Method 4
The sensor detects a presence of fluid in the surgical drape. The sensor detects the presence of fluid in the surgical drape based on an increase in pressure in the third suction line
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid collection system includes a vacuum source, a collection vessel, and a surgical drape. A fluid outflow line is connected between the surgical drape and the collection vessel. The fluid outflow line provides a path for fluid to the collection vessel. A suction line is connected with the collection vessel. The suction line provides suction to draw fluid through the fluid outflow line to the collection vessel. The suction line branches into a first suction line and a second suction line parallel with the first suction line. The first suction line and the second suction line are each connected with the vacuum source. A flow restrictor is disposed along the first suction line. A valve is disposed along the second suction line. The valve is opened in a pulsatile fashion when fluid is present in the surgical drape to increase a level of suction provided to the surgical drape.