Surgical Suction Device with One-Handed Push Button for Clog Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face inefficiencies in clearing obstructions from their aspiration pathways during procedures, leading to time-consuming and traumatic processes for surgeons, and existing solutions complicate irrigation and suction control.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a squeeze bulb and a suction line with a push button mechanism that allows for one-handed operation, enabling the disengagement and occlusion of suction and irrigation functions to efficiently clear obstructions by coordinating air and suction flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a one-way suction line is used to aspirate tissue from the surgical site, then tissue can be removed from the surgical site, but tissue forms a clog in the aspiration pathway requiring time-consuming removal by withdrawing and reinserting the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between suction mode and irrigation mode. The controller automatically reverses the suction line to deliver irrigation fluid that flushes clogs back through the cutting window, then reverses again to aspirate the flushed material. This periodic switching between opposing actions (suction vs. irrigation) maintains continuous tissue removal without requiring instrument withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuity of useful action by automatically detecting clogs and initiating the irrigation-flush-aspirate sequence without interrupting the surgical procedure. The controller continuously monitors suction performance and maintains tissue removal capability by seamlessly transitioning between suction and irrigation modes, eliminating the downtime associated with manual clog clearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various individual cables, tubes, lines, and ports are connected to the surgical instrument for cleaning functions, then irrigation and suction can be provided, but these connections interfere with the surgeon performing the procedure and add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions (suction, irrigation, clog detection, and automatic control) into a single integrated device. The suction line serves dual purposes: as the primary tissue removal pathway and as the delivery conduit for irrigation fluid. The controller integrates detection and actuation functions, eliminating the need for separate manual interventions and reducing the number of external connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction line is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a suction conduit for tissue removal and as an irrigation conduit for flushing clogs. The same physical pathway is used for both aspirating tissue and delivering irrigation fluid, depending on the operational mode. This universal use of the suction line reduces the need for separate dedicated tubes and ports.
3Ease of operation
If the surgical instrument is removed from the surgical site to clear a clog, then the obstruction can be cleared, but this causes trauma to the surgical site and interrupts the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting clogs within the instrument and initiating the clearance sequence without requiring the surgeon to withdraw the instrument. The controller autonomously controls the reversal of the suction line to deliver irrigation fluid and then aspirate the flushed material, enabling the instrument to clear its own obstructions while remaining in place at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation fluid acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates clog removal without requiring instrument withdrawal. The fluid is delivered through the existing suction line, travels to the distal end to flush the clog back through the cutting window, and is then aspirated. This intermediary fluid enables clog clearance while the instrument remains stationary, avoiding trauma to the surgical site.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient removal of obstructions from surgical instruments, reducing procedural time and minimizing trauma to the surgical site while simplifying the control of irrigation and suction functions.
Implementation Method 1
a squeeze bulb configured to generate positive pressure to blow air or an inert gas through the surgical instrument to clear an obstruction from an aspiration pathway
Implementation Method 2
a suction source configured to apply negative pressure to the surgical instrument to aspirate tissue, bone, and/or any other bodily materials from the surgical site
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a medical device for clearing an obstruction from a surgical instrument or surgical site, the device comprising: a first hollow member configured to allow air or inert gas passage; a second hollow member having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end configured to be connectable to a vacuum or suction source; a housing member configured to receive both the first hollow member and the second hollow member; and a push button operably connected to the housing member; and an inflation bulb configured to be attachable to the housing member, wherein the push button is configured to disengage the first hollow member and occlude the second hollow member when depressed by a force, and/or wherein the push button and the inflation bulb are configured to be operable by one hand of an operator.