Project Scope

 

Current methods to detect air leaks during pneumonectomies is by looking for air bubbles after saline insufflation when the surgeon ventilates the lung, which is more difficult to apply during VATS then during open chest surgery due to the limited visual fields. We will build a system that can be easily and reliably used intraoperatively to detect and locate the exact position(s) of an air leak during both the VATS and the open chest surgery. The detector will be used intraoperatively for detecting and locating early leaks only. Delayed (postoperative) leaks are not considered in this project. 

 

 

Design Specifications

Dimensions

The device should cover the entire surface of the lung to ensure that any air leak in the lung, including the staple lines, can be detected.

 

Other Specifications

Safe - All components of the detector must be biocompatible and sterile since toxicity or any contamination can lead to undesirable consequences such as infections and inflammation.

 

Fast - In order to minimize the impact of the detection process on the surgery, the device should be able to quickly detect and locate air leaks. Desired duration of the detection process is within one minute. The time it takes to inflate the lung after stapling is generally about 30 seconds. As required by our client, the duration for the detection process can exceed the desired length if more precision is desired.

 

Precise - The position of the leaks should be indicated precisely and accurately. The error in reporting leak position should be less than 0.1 mm.

 

Sensitive - Typical air leak sizes range from 0.1mm to 2mm. The detector should be able to detect leaks within this range.

 

Removable - The detector should be either completely removable after the detection procedure is finished or absorbable so that no remaining material will cause harm to the patient. 

 

Affordable - The detector should cost less than 200.00 USD per surgery.

 

Accessible - The detection result should be clearly indicated and understood by the physician and the results of the detection device should be visible for at least 5 minutes.