Articulatable Steerable Overtube for Endoscopic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic translumenal methods and devices lack articulatable and steerable flexible cannulas or trocars that are sufficiently flexible for receiving an endoscope while maintaining sufficient column strength for insertion into internal body lumens or cavities, such as the peritoneal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscopic translumenal overtube assembly is developed, featuring a flexible overtube with a steerable segment and actuation handle, allowing for active articulation and providing columnar strength through reinforcing structural members, enabling the overtube to navigate through tortuous pathways and maintain a fluid-tight seal, while the endoscope can be independently moved within the overtube for surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible overtube is used to receive an endoscope, then the flexibility and articulation capability are improved, but the column strength and ability to navigate tortuous pathways deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube is divided into multiple segments including a flexible segment and a steerable segment. The flexible segment contains multiple articulation sections that can bend independently, while the steerable segment provides directional control. This segmentation allows the overtube to achieve both flexibility for receiving the endoscope and sufficient column strength for navigation through tortuous pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube employs composite construction with multiple layers and materials. The flexible segment uses materials that provide both flexibility and structural integrity, while the steerable segment incorporates reinforcing elements that maintain column strength during articulation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between flexibility and column strength.
2Ease of operation
If the overtube is made more flexible to accommodate the endoscope, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to maintain pneumoperitoneum pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The overtube is segmented into a flexible segment for easy insertion and a steerable segment for maintaining structural integrity. The flexible segment can compress and conform to anatomical structures during insertion, while the steerable segment maintains sufficient rigidity to seal around the trocar and maintain pneumoperitoneum pressure throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overtube design allows for parameter changes in flexibility along its length. The flexible segment has higher compliance for easy insertion, while the steerable segment has adjusted physical properties to maintain sealing capability. This gradient in flexibility parameters resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and fluid-tight sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having an elongate hollow metal body extending along a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The hollow body defines a central opening and has a predetermined wall thickness. A pattern of laser cut slits is formed into the body. The slits define a plurality of articulatable elements. The plurality of articulatable elements enable active articulation of the body in a first plane and passive deflection in planes orthogonal to the first plane.