Balloon Sealed Conduit for Endoscope Insufflation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

During colonoscopies and endoscopies, air and other materials tend to leak from the alimentary canal, necessitating repeated insufflation, which is inefficient and can lead to complications like burns and perforations, while also posing infection control challenges.

Innovation Solution

An alimentary engagement device with a cylindrical unit and attached balloon that fits over a medical instrument, featuring a seal and balloon filling port to maintain insufflation and prevent material exit, allowing for secure engagement of the instrument within the alimentary canal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device is inserted to block the passage of material from the alimentary canal, then material leakage is prevented and insufflation is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of material leakageVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a blocking portion to prevent material leakage, a balloon portion for insufflation, and a conduit portion for instrument passage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single device integrates multiple functions: blocking material passage, maintaining insufflation, and providing a conduit for medical instruments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall complexity while achieving reliable material leakage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If repeated insufflation is performed to maintain visualization, then the alimentary canal remains visible, but the efficiency of the medical procedure decreases and risks of burns and perforations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidprocedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted and positioned before the medical procedure begins, establishing a sealed barrier and insufflation system in advance. This preliminary action maintains visualization conditions throughout the procedure without requiring repeated insufflation cycles, thereby improving efficiency and reducing associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device maintains continuous insufflation and visualization conditions throughout the entire procedure by preventing material leakage and maintaining air pressure. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated insufflation cycles, improving procedure efficiency while reducing the risk of burns and perforations associated with repeated intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a blocking device is used to prevent material exit, then infection control is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection controlVSAvoiddevice insertion and operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit portion acts as an intermediary structure that allows medical instruments to pass through the blocking device. This intermediary design maintains infection control by preventing material leakage while preserving ease of operation by enabling instrument access through the sealed barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device has different structural qualities in different regions: the blocking portion provides tight sealing for infection control, while the conduit portion provides open passage for instrument access. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain both infection control and ease of operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively prevents material leakage, reduces the need for repeated insufflation, enhances visualization, and minimizes risks of burns and perforations, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a balloon attached to the outer side surface of the conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a seal within the interior space of the conduit, wherein the seal comprises an aperture for allowing a medical instrument to pass through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10827909B2Alimentary engagement device

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 BASHOUR MARLA F

AI summary

Provided is an alimentary engagement device that may be used for certain medical procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. The alimentary engagement device includes a conduit that is fitted over a medical instrument such as a colonoscope or an endoscope as it is inserted within a body cavity. On the outer surface of the conduit is a balloon which may be expanded to engage the walls within the interior of the cavity. The interior of the conduit includes a seal which has an aperture for allowing a medical instrument to pass through.