Variable Aspiration Control via Movable Sleeve Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices for neurosurgical procedures lack the ability to provide a variable and reproducible level of vacuum, leading to inefficiencies and potential tissue damage due to predefined aspiration levels and hysteresis in peristaltic systems, which result in surgeon fatigue and inconsistent tissue removal.
Innovation Solution
A tissue cutting device with an aspiration control system that includes a conduit with a vent and a movable sleeve, allowing for adjustable vacuum levels by exposing varying portions of the vent, enabling precise control of vacuum pressure through a handpiece or foot pedal, compatible with existing vacuum supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predefined vacuum level is supplied by a vacuum source, then the aspiration function is provided, but the vacuum level cannot be adjusted to variable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of vacuum levels by allowing the bleed hole to be selectively covered or uncovered. The system transitions from a static predefined vacuum level to a dynamic adjustable vacuum level by controlling the opening state of the bleed hole, enabling variable vacuum delivery to the inner cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed hole acts as an intermediary element between the vacuum source and the inner cannula. By introducing this intermediate component, the system can modulate the vacuum level through the bleed hole's opening or closing state, providing variable vacuum control without directly modifying the vacuum source itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If a bleed hole is used to reduce vacuum level, then variable vacuum is achieved, but the vacuum level is not reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the bleed hole mechanism that allows controlled venting of vacuum pressure. By regulating the bleed hole's opening state, the system can maintain consistent and reproducible vacuum levels at the inner cannula, preventing both excessive and insufficient vacuum conditions.
3Speed
If peristaltic pump is used to generate vacuum, then vacuum is produced, but hysteresis causes delayed response to vent input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum generation function from the peristaltic pump by introducing a separate vent mechanism (bleed hole) that can independently and immediately release vacuum pressure. This separation allows the venting function to respond instantly without being constrained by the peristaltic pump's hysteresis characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to make the peristaltic pump respond faster to vent inputs, the system inverts the approach by providing a direct vent pathway through the bleed hole. This bypasses the pump's slow response mechanism entirely, allowing immediate vacuum release when venting is required.
4Stress or pressure
If peristaltic pump operates at low rotational speeds, then vacuum is generated, but pulsed flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bleed hole mechanism ensures continuous and smooth vacuum delivery to the inner cannula by providing a constant venting pathway. This eliminates the pulsed flow characteristic of peristaltic pumps, especially at low rotational speeds, by maintaining steady vacuum pressure through controlled venting rather than intermittent pumping action.
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
Enables a repeatable and variable vacuum level to be applied to the inner cannula, improving precision and reducing tissue damage by allowing surgeons to adjust vacuum levels according to the surgical needs, enhancing control during delicate neurosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A tissue cutting device with an aspiration control system that includes a conduit with a vent and a movable sleeve, allowing for adjustable vacuum levels by exposing varying portions of the vent, enabling precise control of vacuum pressure through a handpiece or foot pedal
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration control device may include a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. The conduit may define a conduit lumen and an aperture vent open to the conduit lumen. A coupling may be configured to couple the proximal end of the conduit with a vacuum source and an inner cannula of a tissue cutting device. The inner cannula may define an inner cannula lumen wherein the vacuum source is configured to supply a vacuum to each of the coupling lumen and the inner cannula lumen. A sleeve may be movably disposed about the conduit, and a device motor may be in communication with the sleeve and be configured to move the sleeve to a predefined position relative to the vent in response to an input single from a user interface. The predefined position of the sleeve may correspond to a predefined level of vacuum to be supplied to the inner cannula lumen.