Project Overview

Neuroendoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses endoscopes or tube-like instruments to view the internal surface of the brain. A continuous (non-peristaltic) flow of saline is necessary to visualize and navigate throughout the surgical field. If not maintained, variable saline pressures may lead to flooding of the brain or visibility issues with the endoscope lens. Currently, this continuous flow of saline is created through a pressurized bag of saline; however, due to lengthy procedures, the saline bags must be replaced frequently causing disruptions during the surgery. Our client, Dr. Joshua Medow, would like to use a centrifugal pump to control the constant flow of saline. The pump that has been chosen was originally designed for cardiac surgery, having a saline flow of 5.0 L/min, much higher than the 150-mL/min flow required for the rinsing the brain. Dr. Medow would like us to design the circuitry for the centrifugal pump as to create a negative feedback system to control the saline flow when instruments are inserted and removed from the endoscope during the procedure and to reduce the overall flow rate to the appropriate level.

Files

• Final Report (December 13, 2008)
• Final Poster (December 13, 2008)
• PDS (December 13, 2008)
• Mid-Semester Presentation (December 13, 2008)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Richard Bamberg - Team Leader
• Dustin Gardner - Communicator
• Matt Kudek - BSAC
• Chelsea Wanta - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Willis Tompkins - Advisor
• Dr. Robert Hardie - Client