Minimally Invasive Access Channel for Narrow Anatomical Tracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive medical procedures face challenges in inserting both visualizing and working devices through narrow anatomical tracts due to the risk of perforation and increased pain, especially in procedures like transcervical procedures where enlarging the natural opening is risky.
Innovation Solution
The creation of a minimally invasive access channel using a visualization modality that is later removed, allowing for the introduction of working devices through a stable access channel, even in small-sized insertion tracts, reducing the risk of perforation and pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the natural opening is enlarged to insert both visualizing and working devices, then device insertion capability is improved, but the risk of perforation and patient pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion process is divided into separate stages: first inserting the visualizing device through the natural opening, then removing it and inserting the working device through the same opening. This segmentation allows each device to be inserted independently through the narrow tract without requiring simultaneous passage of multiple large devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualizing device is inserted first to establish visualization of the target anatomical region before the working device is introduced. This preliminary action allows the operator to identify the correct insertion path and target location, ensuring accurate placement of the working device without needing to enlarge the opening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the natural opening is dilated to accommodate multiple devices, then accessibility to target region is improved, but medical risks and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The working device is inserted through the channel created by the visualizing device, similar to nested dolls. The visualizing device establishes the access channel, and the working device follows through the same path, allowing both devices to access the target region through the same narrow opening without requiring dilation.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are inserted simultaneously through the same tract, then procedural efficiency is improved, but the risk of improper placement and perforation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visualizing device provides real-time visual feedback of the anatomical region, allowing the operator to monitor the insertion process and confirm correct placement of the working device. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate positioning without requiring simultaneous insertion of multiple devices, maintaining placement precision while achieving procedural efficiency through sequential insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention.