Kidney Stone Turbulent Flow Irrigator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing kidney stones, such as 3-pronged graspers, often cause tissue damage and are difficult to control, leading to internal bleeding and prolonged procedures due to their flexibility and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing turbulent fluid flow to fragment and remove kidney stones by introducing a pressurized fluid with a filter to generate turbulent inflow, creating a vacuum effect that directs fragments to the bladder for safer removal, eliminating the need for retrieval devices like baskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 3-pronged grasper is used to retrieve kidney stones, then the stone can be grasped and removed, but tissue damage and internal bleeding occur due to the flexibility and mobility of the grasper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical grasping system with a fluid dynamics-based system. Instead of using a physical grasper that mechanically engages with the stone, the invention uses pressurized fluid flow to transport stones and fragments through the urinary tract. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact between the retrieval device and tissue, thereby preventing tissue damage and internal bleeding while maintaining effective stone removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using pressurized fluid flow to move kidney stones and fragments through the urinary tract. The system utilizes controlled fluid pressure and flow rates to propel stones distally toward the bladder, replacing the need for mechanical grasping and retrieval devices. This hydraulic approach provides smooth, controlled transport without mechanical trauma to surrounding tissues
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible and movable grasper is used to engage stones, then the grasper can adapt to different stone positions, but it becomes difficult to control and requires significantly more time to complete the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical grasper system with a simplified fluid flow system. Instead of manipulating flexible wires and graspers that require precise manual control, the invention uses fluid dynamics to automatically transport stones. The operator simply controls fluid pressure and flow rate, eliminating the complexity of manipulating flexible mechanical graspers while maintaining the ability to reach different stone positions through fluid delivery catheters
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow system performs the transport function automatically without requiring manual manipulation of graspers or wires. The pressurized fluid self-propels the stones and fragments through the urinary tract based on pressure gradients and flow dynamics, reducing the need for complex manual operations and significantly decreasing procedure time
3Reliability
If traditional retrieval devices are used to remove kidney stones, then stones can be captured and removed, but additional equipment and increased procedure complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the irrigation function with the stone transport function into a single integrated system. The same fluid delivery catheter that provides irrigation during lithotripsy also serves to transport stone fragments and stones distally to the bladder. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate retrieval devices such as baskets, graspers, or snares, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining effective stone removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system performs multiple functions: it provides irrigation during stone fragmentation, transports stone fragments and stones through the urinary tract, and facilitates their eventual removal in the bladder. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive stone removal capability
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
This approach reduces the risk of tissue damage, minimizes the need for additional equipment, and efficiently moves stone fragments to the bladder for easier removal, reducing procedure time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the flow dynamics of the fluid using a filter to generate a desired turbulent inflow
Implementation Method 2
forming a vacuum effect through the turbulent flow operable to cause the fragments to continue through the body system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing a kidney stone from the kidney and ureter of a human includes the steps of introducing a laminar flowing fluid via a ureteroscope into the ureter or kidney and proximal the kidney stone and flowing inward toward the kidney and then switching the laminar flow to a turbulent flow which causes a reverse flow that moves the kidney stone in a direction away from the kidney and down the ureter toward the bladder where the stone may be removed using a wire basket. In one step the kidney stone may first be fragmented into smaller kidney stones or fragments prior to switching to the turbulent flow.