Articulating End Cap for Endoscope Tool Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in precisely positioning and manipulating surgical tools introduced through the working channel of an endoscope or accessory channel, due to difficulty in controlling the distal end of the tool.
Innovation Solution
An articulating hollow end cap is coupled to the distal end of the endoscope, allowing for precise positioning and manipulation of surgical tools by pivoting and rotating the end cap relative to the endoscope, which changes the orientation of the tool relative to the surgical site, and can act as a shield to prevent unintended tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible endoscope with a working channel is used to introduce surgical tools, then minimally invasive procedures can be performed, but precise positioning and manipulation of the distal end of the tool becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An end cap is introduced as an intermediary device between the surgical tool and the tissue. The end cap includes a distal rim that contacts the tissue and a body that receives the surgical tool, providing a mechanical advantage for controlling the tool's distal end position and orientation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap adds a new dimension of control by providing a physical interface at the distal end that extends beyond the working channel opening. This allows the clinician to manipulate the tool in three-dimensional space more effectively, controlling not just insertion depth but also angular orientation and distal positioning relative to the tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end cap is made to articulate relative to the endoscope, then the orientation of the surgical tool relative to the selected tissue can be changed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is designed with articulation capabilities that allow it to dynamically change its orientation relative to the endoscope during the procedure. The distal rim can pivot and rotate independently, providing adaptive positioning that responds to the procedural needs without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is segmented into distinct functional components: a distal rim for tissue contact, a body for receiving the surgical tool, and articulation mechanisms that allow independent movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to a monolithic structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device may comprise a collar configured to fit over a distal face of an endoscope and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The surgical device may also comprise a flexible, elongate translating mechanism coupled to the collar and extending proximally from the collar. Applying a linear force to the translating mechanism may cause the translating mechanism to exert a rotational force on the collar. In addition, the surgical device may comprise a hollow cap coupled to a distal end of the collar. The cap may be pivotable relative to the collar in a plane parallel to the axis. In addition, the cap may have a first open end configured to face the endoscope and a second open end configured to face distally.