Ball-Joint Endoscopic Handle for Multi-Axis Shaft Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices for procedures like endoscopic sub-mucosal dissection and resection often require multiple degrees of freedom and complex hand movements, increasing procedural duration, cost, and risk due to limited deflection capabilities and operator dependence.

Innovation Solution

A medical device system with a movable handle portion and steering wires, allowing independent control of a distal portion through a ball joint mechanism, enabling multi-axis deflection and manipulation of a medical device shaft for precise tissue treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snares or medical devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the deflection capability is limited and dependent on endoscope tip deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The medical device is divided into multiple segments along its shaft, with each segment capable of independent deflection. This segmentation allows the distal portion to be deflected independently from the proximal portion, enabling the device to adapt to various anatomical structures without requiring complex overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic deflection mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of the distal portion's position and orientation. The deflection capability is activated during the procedure based on operational needs, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple baseline device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices allowing separate deflection are used, then the deflection capability is improved, but the operator cognitive load increases and procedure duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection controlVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple deflection control functions are merged into a single integrated control mechanism. The operator can manipulate the distal portion's position and orientation through one unified interface rather than multiple separate controls, reducing cognitive load and procedural complexity while maintaining enhanced deflection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions through a single interface, including deflection, positioning, and orientation adjustments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple operators or complex coordinated movements, thereby reducing procedure duration without sacrificing deflection control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple operators and hand movements are required, then the deflection precision can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection precisionVSAvoidoperator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates self-aligning and self-positioning mechanisms that automatically adjust the distal portion's orientation and position based on the operator's input. This self-service capability maintains high deflection precision while significantly reducing the operational complexity and eliminating the need for multiple operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates efficient and safe medical procedures by reducing operator complexity and enhancing precision, thus shortening procedure duration and reducing risks.

Implementation Method 1

The movable handle portion may include a ball portion movably positioned within a cavity in the stationary handle portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall joint mechanism: Ball

Implementation Method 2

The medical device also may include a plurality of steering wires. Each of the plurality of steering wires may be coupled to the ball portion at a proximal end and to the distal portion of the medical device shaft at a distal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250352044A1Medical systems, devices, and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A medical device system includes an insertion device and a medical device. The insertion device includes an insertion device handle, including a port on a handle body. The insertion device also includes an insertion device shaft extending from the insertion device handle. The insertion device shaft includes a working channel connected to the port. The medical device includes a medical device handle, including a movable handle portion and a stationary handle portion. The movable handle portion includes a ball portion movably positioned within a cavity in the stationary handle portion. The medical device also includes a medical device shaft. The medical device shaft is configured to be delivered through the port in the insertion device handle and through the working channel in the insertion device shaft. Movement of the movable handle portion relative to the stationary handle portion controls movement of a distal portion of the medical device shaft.