Surgical Apparatus Force Sensor for Ureteral Injury Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical extraction methods, such as stone basketing, risk ureteral avulsion and perforation due to excessive force or improper handling of kidney stones, particularly in the upper ureter, where muscle support is less and mucosal lining is thinner, lacking real-time feedback on resistive forces.
Innovation Solution
A surgical apparatus with an inner cannula, extraction receptacle, and a force sensor featuring a biasing member that provides real-time resistive force feedback through visual, auditory, or tactile warnings, preventing damage by indicating when forces approach unsafe levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical basket is used to grasp and remove kidney stones, then stone extraction is achieved, but the risk of ureteral avulsion and perforation increases due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force sensor that provides real-time feedback on the resistive forces encountered during stone extraction. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to monitor the forces being applied and adjust accordingly to prevent ureteral injury while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-configured to apply a predetermined biasing force that automatically limits the maximum extraction force. This preliminary action prevents excessive force application before it can cause damage, while still allowing effective stone removal within safe force parameters.
2Force
If excessive force is applied to remove large stones, then extraction is achieved, but ureteral avulsion risk increases especially in the upper ureter with less muscle support
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time monitoring of extraction forces, enabling the surgeon to detect when forces approach dangerous levels and adjust immediately to protect ureteral integrity in vulnerable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is configured with specific mechanical properties (spring constant, pre-compression) that automatically adjust the extraction force parameters to remain within safe limits, adapting to the varying vulnerability of different ureteral segments.
3Reliability
If real-time force monitoring is implemented, then ureteral injury prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is integrated into the extraction device to provide real-time force monitoring. This feedback capability enhances safety by alerting the surgeon to potentially dangerous force levels during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as a mechanical intermediary that automatically limits extraction forces through its biasing action, reducing the need for complex electronic control systems while still providing force regulation functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wire baskets are used for large stones, then extraction capability is improved, but the risk of avulsion and stricture formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides continuous monitoring that becomes increasingly important when multiple baskets are used, allowing the surgeon to detect cumulative force effects and adjust the extraction strategy to prevent ureteral damage.
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 apparatus allows surgeons to adjust extraction techniques based on real-time resistive force data, reducing the risk of ureteral avulsion and perforation by providing clear warnings of potential damage, thus enhancing safety during stone extraction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor including a biasing member, the inner cannula operatively connected to the biasing member at an end of the inner cannula opposite the extraction receptacle, the biasing member exerting a biasing force biasing the inner cannula to pull the extraction receptacle in a direction toward the force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus for extraction of substances within a body of a human or animal includes an inner cannula, an extraction receptacle secured to the inner cannula, the extraction receptacle being adapted to grip substances to be extracted from the body; and a force sensor including a biasing member, the inner cannula operatively connected to the biasing member at an end of the inner cannula opposite the extraction receptacle, the biasing member exerting a biasing force biasing the inner cannula to pull the extraction receptacle in a direction toward the force sensor, wherein resistive forces on the extraction receptacle during extraction of a substance from the body act against the biasing force and move the biasing member.