Articulating Sheath Branches for Bronchiole Navigation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures in the respiratory system face challenges with accessory devices that have limited control and maneuverability, especially in small and tortuous bronchioles, requiring additional devices or multiple hands for manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a handle, actuator, and a sheath featuring movable branches that articulate in multiple directions, allowing for enhanced maneuverability and control through a ball joint mechanism, enabling omnidirectional movement of the distal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessory devices are used for surgical procedures in the respiratory system, then the procedures can be performed, but the devices have limited control and maneuverability especially within small and tortuous bronchioles
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a handle, shaft, and articulating distal end with movable branches. The sheath is segmented into multiple branches that can move independently relative to each other, allowing the distal end to articulate in multiple directions and adapt to tortuous bronchioles while maintaining control from the handle
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the device is made dynamic through the articulating mechanism with movable branches. The branches can change their relative positions and angles to articulate the shaft in multiple directions, providing adaptability to different anatomical paths while maintaining overall device control
2Device complexity
If accessory devices with limited articulating capabilities are used, then the device structure can be simpler, but additional devices or multiple hands are required to manipulate the device
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple articulation functions are merged into a single integrated device. The articulating distal end with movable branches combines multiple articulation capabilities in one device, eliminating the need for additional manipulation devices while maintaining manageable complexity through unified design
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sheath branches are movable at the proximal end, then the shaft can articulate in multiple directions, but the branches must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The movable branches act as intermediaries between the operator's control at the handle and the final positioning of the distal end. The branches translate and rotate relative to the handle to articulate the shaft, providing a mechanical intermediary that multiplies control capability while managing the complexity of multi-directional articulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides improved access and maneuverability within bronchioles, facilitating precise placement and manipulation of tools at treatment sites, reducing the need for additional devices and simplifying the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is configured to move each of the plurality of branches relative to one another to articulate the shaft in a plurality of directions
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device that includes a handle, an actuator movably coupled to the handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and a sheath including a distal end disposed within the shaft and a proximal end disposed within the handle. The sheath includes a plurality of branches secured to one another at the distal end and separated from one another at the proximal end. The actuator is coupled to each of the plurality of branches at the proximal end of the sheath, and the actuator is configured to move each of the plurality of branches relative to one another to articulate the shaft in a plurality of directions.