Adjustable Endoscope Clamp Control to Reduce Physician Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopy procedures require physicians to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to fatigue and discomfort, and existing devices are either cumbersome or uncomfortable for patients, necessitating a need for improved endoscope control devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of endoscope control devices comprising a base, column, arm, and clamp that stabilize and manipulate the endoscope, allowing for adjustable clamping forces to restrict axial and rotational movement, and are designed for various sizes and configurations to accommodate different procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If physicians manually control and manipulate the endoscope during procedures, then they can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, but this leads to physician fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic system is introduced as an intermediary between the physician and the endoscope. The robotic system includes a base station and a remotely controllable end effector that automatically performs endoscope manipulation tasks such as translation, rotation, and articulation control, thereby reducing physician physical strain while maintaining procedural control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation of the endoscope by the physician is replaced with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic end effector uses motorized actuation to control endoscope movement and positioning, substituting human manual dexterity with automated mechanical control to reduce fatigue
2Ease of operation
If additional assistants are hired to hold or operate the endoscope, then procedural tasks can be performed, but hospital overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables the endoscope to be self-contained and autonomously controlled by a single physician through remote interfaces. The base station and end effector work together as an integrated system that automatically positions and manipulates the endoscope without requiring additional personnel to physically hold or operate it
3Extent of automation
If existing robotic systems are used for endoscopy, then automation is achieved, but they are too cumbersome for certain endoscopy procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into separate functional modules: a base station for control and power, a flexible robotic arm for positioning, and a specialized end effector for endoscope manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates dynamic adaptability through adjustable parameters such as variable end effector positions, adjustable articulation ranges, and real-time control responsiveness. This allows the system to adapt to different endoscopy procedures and patient anatomies without requiring a completely different device for each application
4Ease of operation
If devices tether or adhere to the patient during endoscopy, then endoscope control is enabled, but patient comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves the attachment point from the patient's body to the external environment. Instead of tethering to the patient, the robotic base station is positioned externally and uses a flexible robotic arm to reach the procedural site, eliminating direct patient contact with the robotic system while maintaining precise endoscope control
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for reversibly constraining an endoscope. A method may include positioning an elongate medical device or endoscope in a holder of a clamp. A method may include actuating the holder such that one or more of a first sidewall and a second sidewall of the holder move to a clamped configuration to exert a force on the endoscope. A method may include adjusting a pad of the clamp from a first position to a second position where the pad is in contact with the endoscope in the second position.