Vented Suction Instrument for VATS Lung Re-inflation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
During video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), existing suction instruments often cause lung re-inflation due to negative pressure, which complicates the removal of blood and other tissues from the thoracic cavity.
Innovation Solution
A vented suction instrument with dual lumens, where one lumen is used for tissue aspiration and another for introducing make-up gas, minimizing lung re-inflation by maintaining atmospheric pressure and allowing controlled gas flow into the thoracic cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction instruments are used to remove blood and tissue from the thoracic cavity, then tissue removal effectiveness is improved, but lung re-inflation occurs due to negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The suction instrument is divided into separate functional components: a suction lumen for tissue removal and a separate vent lumen for pressure equalization. This segmentation allows the suction function to be performed without creating harmful negative pressure in the thoracic cavity, as the vent lumen provides a separate pathway for pressure balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent lumen acts as an intermediary element between the suction lumen and the thoracic cavity. It provides a separate gas flow pathway that mediates the pressure effects, allowing make-up gas to enter the cavity through the vent lumen while suction removes tissue through the suction lumen, thereby preventing lung re-inflation.
2Productivity
If negative pressure is created in the thoracic cavity to facilitate tissue aspiration, then blood and tissue removal is improved, but the patient's lungs re-inflate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument separates the suction function from the pressure control function into distinct lumens. The suction lumen handles blood and tissue removal, while the vent lumen independently manages pressure equalization by allowing make-up gas to enter, thus maintaining lung deflation while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument utilizes pneumatic principles by providing a dedicated gas flow pathway through the vent lumen. This pneumatic pathway allows controlled gas entry into the thoracic cavity to balance pressure, preventing the harmful effect of lung re-inflation while maintaining effective tissue removal through 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
Effectively removes blood and other tissues from the thoracic cavity during VATS procedures while preventing lung re-inflation, enhancing the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a suction source, and wherein the first structure causes tissue and/or gas to be drawn into the first distal port and through the first lumen when the first proximal end portion is coupled to the suction source
Implementation Method 2
the second structure allows make-up gas to flow into the second proximal port, through the second lumen and out the second distal port, and into the cavity of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Instruments and methods for removing tissue from a patient's thoracic cavity during surgery, for example VATS, while reducing re-inflation of the lungs. Embodiments include an instrument comprising a first structure defining a first lumen and a second structure defining a second lumen. The first structure includes a first proximal end portion comprising a first proximal port to the first lumen, and a first distal end portion comprising a first distal port to the first lumen. The second structure includes a second proximal end portion comprising a second proximal port to the second lumen, and a second distal end portion comprising a second distal port to the second lumen. The instrument is configured to be inserted into a patient with the first and second distal end portions located in the cavity to facilitate suction of tissue through the first lumen, and entry of make-up gas into the cavity through the second lumen.