New Technology Simplifies Fluid Management for Hysteroscopic Procedures

A novel management system provides operating room (OR) staff a more simplified and effective method for fluid control during hysteroscopic procedures.

The Hologic (Bedford, MA, USA) Fluent fluid management system is designed to both provide liquid distension of the uterus during diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy, and to monitor the volume differential between the irrigation fluid flowing into and out of the uterus while providing drive, control, and suction for hysteroscopic morcellators and a wide variety of other hysteroscopic devices. To simplify the surgical procedures, a single waste bag and unique FloPak technology are used to effectively control fluid use throughout the procedure.

An intuitive user interface helps optimize the operating room (OR) workflow, and also provides step-by-step instructions for setup, disassembly, and troubleshooting of the system. In addition, large visual and audible alerts monitor fluid deficit, pressure, low fluid bags, and full waste bags to help keep procedures moving as efficiently as possible. The system also has the ability to detect accurate fluid deficit within 50 mL. When running together with the proprietary MyoSure system, the Fluent system shows a change in average intrauterine pressure of less than one percent.

“Fluid management plays a vital role in gynecological procedures, yet there have been few advances in the technology,” said Edward Evantash, MD, medical director and vice president of global medical affairs at Hologic. “The Fluent system is changing the game in fluid management. Developed in response to the challenges facing nurses and doctors performing hysteroscopies, it combines a streamlined design with innovative technology for more efficient fluid monitoring during procedures.”

Morcellation involves minimally invasive surgical (MIS) fragmentation of the uterus into smaller pieces so as to facilitate its removal during hysteroscopic procedures. In May 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against using laparoscopic power morcellator devices in MIS to remove uterine fibroids, claiming that women undergoing the procedures carry a 1 in 350 risk of uterine sarcoma, and that morcellator tools could worsen the spread of cancerous tissue.