Ureteral Calculus Suction Instrument with Distal Collecting Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ureteral calculus suction instruments face blockages and size limitations due to the narrow suction channel, restricting the removal of calculus fragments.
Innovation Solution
A collecting container with two openings is arranged distally before the suction instrument, allowing calculus fragments to be suctioned into the container rather than through the narrow suction channel, and can be removed with the ureteroscope, expanding the available cross-section for larger fragments. The container is designed to be flexible and secured with a support device to maintain its shape and prevent blockages, with an optional filter at the suction channel entry to prevent fragments from entering the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calculus fragments are suctioned through the narrow suction channel, then the suction function is achieved, but blockages occur and the size of removable calculi is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A collecting container is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction channel and the calculus fragments. The container receives fragments directly at its distal opening, preventing them from entering and blocking the narrow suction channel, while still allowing fluid to be suctioned through the channel to facilitate fragment collection
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system is segmented into two functional zones: the suction channel for fluid extraction and the collecting container for fragment accumulation. This segmentation allows the narrow suction channel to maintain its suction function while the separate container handles fragment collection, eliminating the blockage problem
2Length of moving object
If the suction channel diameter is kept small to fit in the ureter, then the ureteroscope can be inserted, but the size of calculus fragments that can be suctioned is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting container acts as an intermediary with a large distal opening that can accommodate large calculus fragments, while the narrow suction channel remains intact for fluid suction. This allows the ureteroscope to maintain its small diameter for ureter insertion while the container handles large fragment removal
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional constraint (suction channel diameter) to a two-dimensional solution space by adding the collecting container with its own opening dimensions. The container's distal opening can be large to accept big fragments, while the suction channel remains narrow for fluid flow
3Adaptability or versatility
If a collecting container is added to prevent blockages and enable larger fragment removal, then the capability to remove large calculi is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting container is merged with the suction instrument by connecting its proximal opening to the distal end of the suction channel. This integration creates a unified device where the container and suction channel work together as a single system, managing complexity through functional consolidation
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 solution effectively prevents blockages and allows for the removal of larger calculus fragments by containing them within the collecting container, ensuring efficient extraction without compromising the suction channel's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the suction channel is connected to one of the openings. In consequence, the fluid in which this operation is conducted is suctioned through the distal opening and through the collecting container
Data Source
AI summary
A ureteral calculus suction instrument having a shaft through which a suction channel that can be connected to a suction device passes, wherein a collecting container having a distal opening and a proximal opening is arranged distally from the shaft, of which openings the proximal opening is connected to the distal end of the suction channel.