Surgical Fluid Management System with Disposable Cassette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems for surgical procedures, such as arthroscopic surgery, face challenges in accurately controlling fluid pressure within body cavities, leading to inadequate joint distension and potential over-pressurization, and require manual calibration for different instruments and tubing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system that includes a pump control unit and disposable pump cassette, featuring pressure sensors, a centrifugal pump, and a processor that uses a three-dimensional system model to control pump speed, flow rate, and pressure based on measured pressure drops, allowing for closed-loop feedback and open-loop feed forward control to maintain setpoint pressure within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is used for different instruments and tubing configurations, then the system can be adapted to various surgical setups, but the system requires time-consuming calibration procedures and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects instrument and tubing configurations and performs self-calibration using pressure sensors and flow meters to characterize the fluid path impedance, eliminating the need for manual calibration by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pump speed and fluid flow parameters based on real-time pressure feedback from sensors positioned at the surgical site, automatically adapting to different instruments and tubing configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration
2Illumination intensity
If fluid pressure is increased to maintain joint distension, then visibility and access during surgery is improved, but the risk of over-pressurization and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors positioned at the surgical site provide real-time feedback on actual joint cavity pressure to the control system, which automatically adjusts pump output to maintain pressure within safe operational limits, preventing both inadequate distension and over-pressurization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid flow and pressure in real-time based on changing surgical conditions, tissue compliance, and instrument impedance, transitioning from static pressure control to adaptive dynamic control to optimize visibility while preventing tissue damage
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable pump system is used, then the initial equipment cost is reduced, but the system requires complex calibration procedures and increases maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid management equipment into reusable pump components and disposable single-use fluid path components (tubing, connectors, restrictors), allowing the complex reusable portion to be simplified while eliminating calibration needs in the disposable portion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable fluid path components that are pre-calibrated and designed for single use, eliminating the need for complex calibration and sterilization of the reusable pump system while maintaining surgical sterility standards
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 ensures reliable and automatic control of joint pressure, preventing over-pressurization and tissue clogging, and is compatible with various arthroscopic instruments and tubing configurations without manual calibration, providing consistent access and visibility during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump, and a processor that uses a three-dimensional system model to control pump speed, flow rate, and pressure
Implementation Method 2
first and second ports for measuring fluid pressure within the fluid path. The first port is located upstream of the restriction location and the second port is located downstream of the restriction location
Implementation Method 3
A restrictor restricts fluid flow at a restriction location along the fluid path. The restrictor includes a region of decreased cross-sectional area along the fluid path
Implementation Method 4
The pump includes a non-contact, magnetic coupling configured to be operatively driven by a motor external to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow device includes a housing configured to releasably mate with a surgical control unit for controlling fluid flow during a surgical procedure. First and second ports measure fluid pressure within a fluid path provided within the housing. The fluid flow device includes a restrictor for restricting fluid flow at a restriction location along the fluid path. The first port is located upstream of the restriction location and the second port is located downstream of the restriction location. A fluid pump is provided within the housing.