Tissue Removal Device with Intermittent Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hysteroscopic tissue removal systems, particularly electromechanical cutters, face challenges in maintaining fluid distension of the uterus during procedures due to continuous suction, leading to fluid pressure drops and potential blood leakage, which complicates visualization and prolongs surgery.
Innovation Solution
A tissue removal device with a housing, outer and inner tubular members, a vacuum generation chamber, and an actuator that controls suction only when the cutting mechanism is active, preventing fluid loss and maintaining pressure through a one-way valve and piston mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous suction is applied during hysteroscopic resection, then tissue removal efficiency is improved, but fluid pressure drops and blood leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between suction mode and sealing mode, applying suction only during active cutting phases and sealing during non-cutting phases. This periodic operation allows fluid pressure to be maintained while still achieving effective tissue removal during the suction intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical seal acts as an intermediary between the suction source and the uterine cavity, controlling when suction is applied. The seal can be positioned to block or allow suction flow, thereby mediating between the need for tissue removal and the need to maintain fluid pressure.
2Productivity
If continuous suction is applied to remove tissue, then tissue removal speed is improved, but visualization deteriorates due to blood leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic suction application, alternating between suction during cutting and sealing during non-cutting periods. This prevents continuous blood leakage while maintaining efficient tissue removal during the suction phases, thereby improving visualization during critical observation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal is positioned to prevent blood leakage before it can occur by sealing the system during non-cutting phases. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful effect of blood leakage before it deteriorates visualization.
3Productivity
If suction is applied through the resection window, then tissue removal is improved, but fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies suction intermittently rather than continuously, allowing fluid to be replenished during sealing phases. This periodic operation reduces overall fluid loss while maintaining effective tissue removal during the suction intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical seal serves as an intermediary that controls suction flow, allowing it to be applied only when needed for tissue removal. This prevents unnecessary fluid loss during non-cutting phases while maintaining tissue removal effectiveness during active suction.
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 device effectively maintains uterine fluid pressure, reducing blood leakage and improving visualization by controlling suction, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of the surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source fluidly coupled to an open proximal end of the inner tubular member for continuously applying suction thereto
Implementation Method 2
A tissue trap is disposed in or coupled to the housing, the tissue trap defining a sealed interior in fluid communication with the vacuum generation chamber via a one-way valve
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue removal device includes an outer tubular member coupled to a housing and a having a tissue resection window, an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member, a tissue trap having a sealed interior in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, an open proximal end of the inner tubular member being disposed within the tissue trap interior, and an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively connected to a movable piston in the vacuum chamber, such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing generates a vacuum in the tissue trap.