Ureteral Plug Calculus Removal Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing calculus from the ureter and renal pelvis, such as shock wave lithotripsy, transurethral lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, face challenges like high recurrence rates, long procedure times, and potential patient complications like ischemia and infection, due to difficulties in accurately capturing and removing stones, especially when they are small or located in narrow access routes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an elongated member with a ureteral plug and irrigation port is used to occlude the ureter lumen, allowing fluid to wash away calculus by positioning the plug beyond the stones, facilitating their removal through the ureter and bladder, potentially aided by a guide wire and ureteroscope for precise visualization and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If shock wave lithotripsy is used to break stones, then the procedure is simple, but the kidney stone recurrence rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the calculus from the ureter using a retrieval device with a basket-like structure that can grasp and extract stones, rather than merely breaking them in place. This extraction approach ensures complete removal of calculi, preventing recurrence while maintaining procedural simplicity through a straightforward insertion and retrieval motion.
2Ease of operation
If transurethral lithotripsy or ureteroscopy is used to remove stones, then access to calculus is achieved, but the procedure time is excessively long and stone free rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device is segmented into functional components: a basket-like structure for grasping stones, a retrieval mechanism for extracting them, and an irrigation system for flushing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall procedure time while maintaining effective stone removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous irrigation flow through the ureter during the retrieval process, maintaining constant flushing action that prevents stone repositioning and facilitates continuous removal. This continuous action eliminates idle time between operations and maintains effective stone-free rates throughout the procedure.
3Reliability
If percutaneous nephrouretero lithotripsy is used for larger calculus, then effective treatment is achieved, but patient complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary retrieval device that can be passed through the ureteroscope to reach and extract stones without requiring direct percutaneous access to the kidney. This intermediary approach treats larger calculus effectively while avoiding the complications associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy by maintaining a closed, controlled access route through the natural urinary tract.
4Ease of operation
If calculus is broken into smaller pieces by laser energy, then removal is facilitated, but the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser lithotripsy function with the retrieval basket structure into a single integrated device. The laser source is positioned within or adjacent to the basket, allowing simultaneous stone fragmentation and grasping operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate laser and retrieval instruments, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining enhanced 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 enhances the 'stone-free' rate by effectively flushing out calculus, reducing recurrence and complications, while maintaining urinary flow and allowing for the use of lithotripsy to break stones if necessary, thus improving the efficiency and safety of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
discharging fluid from the irrigation port into the lumen and toward the calculus
Implementation Method 2
occluding the lumen in the ureter while the ureteral plug part is positioned beyond the calculus
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing/retrieving calculus in a renal pelvis includes moving a renal cover part along a ureter toward the renal pelvis, introducing the renal cover part into the renal pelvis, positioning the renal cover part in the renal pelvis so that the renal cover part covers one part of the renal pelvis, while an other part of the renal pelvis is not covered by the renal cover part, introducing fluid into the other part of the renal pelvis, while the one part of the renal pelvis is covered by the renal cover part, to cause the calculus in the other part of the renal pelvis to be washed-out of the renal pelvis, and moving the renal cover part out of the renal pelvis and into the ureter.