Axial Electrode Endoscope Tip for Mucosal Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mucosal impedance measuring devices with radially- or laterally-disposed electrodes are not well-suited for spot checks in the duodenum due to folding or raised surfaces, leading to trapped fluids and poor impedance readings, and require longer study times for mapping gastrointestinal tracts.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile device with axial impedance measuring electrodes securely attached to the tip of a duodenal scope, allowing for precise, pressure-controlled impedance measurements in the duodenum while minimizing interference with the camera's field of view and providing real-time graphical feedback on measurement quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radially- or laterally-disposed electrodes are used on the endoscope, then impedance measurements can be taken in the esophagus and colon, but fluids become trapped between the electrodes and the mucosa adversely impacting the quality of the impedance readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance reading qualityVSAvoidfluid trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional radial/lateral electrode arrangement by placing electrodes on the axial end face of the articulating head. This inversion changes the contact geometry from side-contact to end-contact, allowing fluids to be extruded axially rather than trapped radially, thereby improving impedance reading quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of electrode disposition from radial/lateral to axial. This parameter change fundamentally alters the fluid dynamics at the electrode-mucosa interface, preventing fluid trapping and improving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If radially- or laterally-disposed electrodes are used on the endoscope, then impedance measurements can be taken, but it is difficult for the operator to visually identify the mucosa being measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemucosa identificationVSAvoidvisual identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The axial end face of the articulating head serves multiple functions: it provides the imaging surface for visual identification and simultaneously houses the electrodes for impedance measurement. This multi-functionality integrates the visual and measurement functions into a single unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the imaging function and impedance measurement function into the same axial end face location. The electrodes are disposed on the same surface that provides visual feedback, allowing operators to directly correlate visual identification with measurement location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If mapping lengths of the gastrointestinal tract is performed to provide sufficient data, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but study time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic information completenessVSAvoidstudy time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically mapping long segments of the gastrointestinal tract with an automated optical system using the articulating head's articulation and image processing. This substitution reduces the physical time required while maintaining diagnostic information completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time feedback from the articulating head's position and orientation, combined with image processing, to automatically identify and measure relevant mucosal regions without requiring comprehensive manual mapping of the entire gastrointestinal tract

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables quick and accurate mucosal impedance measurements in the duodenum, reducing study time and improving measurement reliability by ensuring stable, controlled contact between electrodes and mucosa, while allowing for further examination and biopsies.

Implementation Method 1

impedance measurements of the esophageal mucosa can be determined... taking impedance measurements of the esophageal mucosa... impedance measuring electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250194945A1Endoscope Having Articulating Head With Axially Situated Electrodes

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 DIVERSATEK HEALTHCARE INC

AI summary

A mucosal impedance measuring device for measuring a pressure-controlled impedance of mucosa includes an endoscope, more specifically a duodenal scope, having an elongated body extending to a scope end in which the scope end is articulable relative to the elongated body and further having a plurality of impedance measuring electrodes disposed on an axial-most face of the scope end. The plurality of impedance measuring electrodes disposed on an axial-most face of the scope end can be placed into contact with mucosa, especially in the duodenum or colon, to establish the health, integrity, and/or condition of the mucosa by taking impedance measurements of the mucosa.