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Investigation of water-assisted colonoscopy using a constant-temperature water infusion system

Hongsheng Li1*, Chunhua Zhou2*, Taojing Ran2*, Yao Zhang2 , Xiaonan Shen2 , Shiju Yan1 , Duowu Zou2


1 School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China. 2 Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.

* The authors contribute equally.

 

Address correspondence to: Duowu Zou, Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 227 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200025, China. E-mail: zdw_pi@163.com. Shiju Yan, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, No. 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200093, China. Tel: +86-021-55271115. E-mail: yanshiju@usst.edu.cn.

 

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Medical Engineering Cross-disciplinary Project Special Fund of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology.


DOI: https://doi.org/10.61189/804304ntkyxb


Received February 15, 2025; Accepted June 18, 2025; Published September 30, 2025


Highlights

● Developed a 37°C constant-temperature electronic control module, including circuit board design and selection of electronic components, ensuring stable and reliable temperature control for the water infusion system.

● Evaluated and optimized the layout and selection of pipelines and valves, ensuring secure, leak-proof water connections, precise valve flow directions, and rapid, reliable valve operation.

● Designed an efficient tailored to the dimensions and shape of the water reservoir, determining optimal parameters including heating power, structural configuration, size, and placement.

Abstract

Background: Colonoscopy is a key technique for the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. Water-assisted colonoscopy is increasingly adopted due to its potential to reduce patient discomfort. However, the temperature of the infused water plays a crucial role in both procedural quality and patient experience. This study aimed to optimize water-assisted colonoscopy by developing a constant-temperature water infusion system. Methods: A two-dimensional finite element model was established using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the heat transfer process between the heating base and the liquid container. The system consisted of a medical-grade 304 stainless steel container, a nichrome heating wire embedded in rubber, and an integrated piping network. Quadrilateral meshing was applied to short-range solid–liquid interfaces and triangular meshing elsewhere, resulting in detailed modeling for both natural heating (27,801 elements) and circulation heating (43,998 elements). Based on simulation results, a hardware platform was developed to deliver sterile water at a constant temperature of 37 °C for digestive endoscopic procedures. Results: Circulation heating demonstrated superior thermal efficiency and more uniform temperature distribution than natural heating. Under ambient conditions (25 °C ), the system reliably maintained water temperature at (37±1)°C . Partitioned meshing enhanced computational precision with a minimum element size of 0.1 mm. Solid-liquid coupling analysis confirmed stable heat conduction during dynamic infusion. The device allows for independent temperature presetting and stepless flow rate adjustment via a control panel. It is also compatible with standard endoscopic systems, thereby enhancing procedural efficiency and safety. Conclusion: The proposed constant-temperature water infusion system model offers a reliable and adaptable solution for water-assisted colonoscopy, improving both diagnostic performance and patient comfort through precise thermal regulation.

Keywords: Water-assisted colonoscopy, constant-temperature control, finite element analysis, thermodynamic simulation, medical device design

Cite

Li HS, Zhou CH, Ran TJ, Zhang Y, Shen XN, Yan SJ, Zou DW. Investigation of water-assisted colonoscopy using a constant-temperature water infusion system. Prog in Med Devices 2025 Sep;3(3): 163-173. doi: 10.61189/804304ntkyxb.

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