Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Department Medicine have developed a novel robotic system for tissue and skin irrigation and cleansing during medical procedures.
Background:
Inadequate or improper hygiene practices during medical procedures may result in an increased risk of infection and postoperative complications. Traditional cleaning methods often rely on manual techniques that are labor intensive, inefficient, and potentially uncomfortable for the patient. Existing techniques can also lack precision in delivering cleansing fluids and evacuating waste, posing safety hazards for workers and patients. Other cleansing approaches are inefficient, making their use during complicated surgical procedures that require fluid evacuation and lavage limited. There remains an unmet need for an integrated and efficient medical cleansing system with improved design to aid in patient comfort and maintain a sterile environment.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Medicine have developed an autonomous and multifunctional device that can be used for the medical cleansing of skin and tissue. The novel device consists of a main controller unit with all elements required for fluid delivery and evacuation, including a reservoir tank, pump, heating element, and temperature sensor with additional filtration and sterilization features. Due to its modular design, the unit can be operated by hand or mounted to an accessory, allowing for controlled delivery and evacuation of liquids and solids. This innovation enables precise propulsion and suction using a series of nozzles that can spray liquid in various configurations. The design of the device further facilitates autonomous fluid application, waste removal and drying, allowing for efficient tissue sanitation. The reported technology can accommodate additional reservoirs and sensors, allowing its integration into various surgical processes and postoperative care. This innovation can revolutionize medical hygiene practices by providing an automated and efficient solution for tissue cleaning and sterilization.
Potential Applications:
• Wound irrigation
• Tissue cleaning for bed bound patients
• Post operative care
• Emergency tissue cleaning
• Surgical sterilization
Advantages:
• Automated design
• Modular setup
• Multifunctional
• Wearable
• Integrated heating and sensors
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention has been completed. (04/05/2023)
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2023-284
Lead Inventor:
Henry Hoang