Biliary Catheter Stabilizing Members for Ampulla Cannulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cannulating the ampulla of Vater during biliary tract interventions is challenging due to the movement of the duodenum caused by peristalsis, requiring stabilization to facilitate efficient and precise access.
Innovation Solution
A biliary catheter system with an endoscope and stabilizing members configured to surround the ampulla of Vater, providing stabilization through vacuum lumens or radially biased members to secure the duodenum, allowing for effective cannulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the endoscope is advanced to the ampulla of Vater without stabilizing members, then the device structure remains simple, but the peristaltic motion of the duodenum causes difficulty in precise cannulation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a distal stabilization portion with stabilizing members (vacuum lumens or radially biased members) that engage the duodenal wall, and a proximal manipulation portion that remains flexible for steering. This segmentation allows the distal end to be stabilized while the proximal end maintains maneuverability, resolving the contradiction between stabilization precision and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing members are deployed before cannulation to pre-stabilize the ampulla of Vater position. The vacuum lumens or radially biased members engage the duodenal wall in advance, creating a stable platform that prevents peristaltic motion during the subsequent cannulation procedure, thereby improving precision without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If stabilizing members are added to surround the ampulla of Vater, then cannulation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is extracted as a separate, modular component integrated into the catheter structure. The stabilizing members (vacuum lumens or radially biased members) are distinct functional elements that can be activated independently, allowing efficient cannulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture that avoids unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially biased stabilizing members automatically engage the duodenal wall through their inherent elastic recoil force without requiring external actuation. This self-service mechanism provides stable cannulation support while minimizing the complexity of control systems, as the stabilization action occurs passively once the members are deployed.
3Reliability
If vacuum lumens are used for stabilization, then the ampulla of Vater is secured effectively, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum lumens are merged with the catheter body structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This combining approach allows the vacuum stabilization function to be achieved through modifications to the existing catheter tubing, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to incorporating discrete vacuum generation and delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter structure is designed to serve multiple functions: the vacuum lumens provide stabilization while the same structural elements maintain catheter flexibility and deliver therapeutic agents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 stabilization system reduces peristaltic motion, enabling simpler and more efficient cannulation of the ampulla of Vater, improving the precision and efficiency of biliary tract interventions.
Implementation Method 1
providing stabilization through vacuum lumens or radially biased members to secure the duodenum
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices including devices and systems for endoscopic interventions that may access the biliary tree. An example biliary catheter system may include an endoscope having a working channel formed therein. An endoscopic instrument may be disposed in the channel. The endoscopic instrument may have a tool channel formed therein, a distal end, and a plurality of stabilizing members extending from the distal end. The plurality of stabilizing members may be configured to surround the ampulla of Vater during a biliary tract intervention.