Surgical Suction Device Using Venturi Air Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical suction devices are noisy, cumbersome, and lack the ability to adjust suction force independently for different surgical procedures, often compromising either smoke suction or tissue suction, which can lead to tissue injury or inadequate smoke removal.
Innovation Solution
A passive suction device utilizing an air amplifier with a cylindrical cavity and an annular opening to direct pressurized gas, creating a low-pressure region that generates suction, allowing for adjustable suction force while maintaining a constant gas flow rate, and incorporating features like backflow prevention and adjustable conduit width for variable suction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electric or motor powered suction devices are used, then suction capability is provided, but the devices become noisy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric or motor powered suction systems with a passive gas flow-based suction system. Pressurized gas flowing through a venturi creates a low-pressure region that generates suction without any moving parts, motors, or electrical components, thereby eliminating noise and mechanical complexity while maintaining suction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by directing pressurized gas through a venturi structure to create suction. The high-speed gas flow through the venturi generates a low-pressure region that draws in surgical debris, using fluid dynamics rather than mechanical suction forces
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suction devices are used, then suction is generated, but the ability to adjust suction force independently for different surgical procedures is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic modification of the suction system's characteristics. The venturi structure and gas flow parameters can be adjusted to change the low-pressure region intensity, enabling independent control of suction force for different surgical procedures while maintaining constant gas flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows adjustment of suction parameters by modifying the pressurized gas flow characteristics and venturi geometry. These parameter changes enable flexible control over suction force intensity without affecting the underlying gas flow rate, providing adaptability for various surgical needs
3Productivity
If suction force is increased to maximize smoke removal, then smoke suction is improved, but tissue suction may cause tissue injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized suction zones with different characteristics. The venturi structure generates a focused low-pressure region that can be precisely directed at smoke sources without applying excessive suction force to surrounding tissues, enabling selective smoke removal while protecting delicate surgical sites
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
The device provides efficient, adjustable suction for surgical procedures, minimizing tissue injury and maximizing smoke removal while maintaining a consistent gas flow, enhancing surgical safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the air amplifier includes an annular opening in the inner wall near the first end. In some examples, he annular opening defines a jet opening adapted to allow a pressurized gas to flow out of the annular opening such that a low pressure region is produced at the first end
Implementation Method 2
the conduit is positioned at an angle relative to the second opening in order to receive the pressurized gas flow from the pressurized gas port and direct the pressurized gas flow into the second opening such that when the pressurized gas flow passes into the second hollow segment, the pressurized gas flow travels essentially entirely along one or more interior surfaces of the second hollow segment
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for generating a variable liquid vacuum with an accompanying stable gas flow rate. In particular, when a suction device suctions a liquid and gas mixture it is advantageous to provide a variable vacuum or vacuum to apply to the liquid component while the flow rate of the gas stays constant or essentially constant.