Biopsy Device with Loose Light Conductor for ERCP Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes face challenges in navigating deep anatomical regions, obtaining sufficient tissue samples, and incorporating steerability and tissue collection features without obstructing optical devices, particularly in procedures like ERCP, where instruments become progressively smaller and more difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
The development of tethered biopsy forceps with an auxiliary scope featuring a small-diameter passage, optically enhanced materials for visibility, and capacity-enhancing designs to collect multiple samples in a single insertion, along with integrated light emitters for tissue illumination, and scaled-down laser fragmentation systems for bile duct procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the endoscope is made smaller in diameter to access deep anatomical regions, then the ability to navigate difficult-to-reach locations is improved, but the capacity for tissue collection and the ease of maneuvering are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the endoscope into modular components: a thin endoscope shaft for navigation through deep anatomical regions, and a separate, larger-capacity tissue retrieval device that can be attached at the distal end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the endoscope for navigation and the retrieval device for tissue collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue retrieval device is designed to be attachable to the distal end of the endoscope, creating a nested configuration where the retrieval device extends beyond the endoscope's lumen constraints. This nesting approach allows the retrieval device to have larger capacity while the thin endoscope maintains its navigation capability through deep anatomical passages.
2Quantity of substance
If the tissue retrieval device is made larger to increase sample collection capacity, then the quantity of tissue samples that can be collected is improved, but the ability to navigate through small-diameter endoscopes and perform interventions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the navigation function (thin endoscope) from the tissue collection function (larger retrieval device). The endoscope can pass through small-diameter passages while the retrieval device, with its larger capacity, is attached at the distal end to collect multiple tissue samples without requiring repeated insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue retrieval device is configured to extend radially beyond the endoscope's lumen, utilizing the external dimension space rather than being constrained within the endoscope's internal diameter. This allows the retrieval device to have large sample capacity while the endoscope maintains its thin profile for navigation through small passages.
3Productivity
If multiple tissue samples are collected in a single insertion to reduce procedure time, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the device required to achieve this is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a segmented design where the endoscope and tissue retrieval device are separate components that can be easily attached and detached. This segmentation simplifies the overall device structure compared to integrating multiple functions into a single complex instrument, while still enabling multiple tissue samples to be collected in a single insertion through the retrieval device's capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue retrieval device acts as an intermediary between the thin endoscope and the tissue collection function. It receives the endoscope for navigation, provides a larger capacity volume for collecting multiple tissue samples, and can be removed independently when full, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while improving productivity.
4Measurement precision
If optical devices are mounted on the endoscope to provide imaging and lighting, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the ability to incorporate steerability and tissue collection features without obstruction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical devices (imaging and lighting components) are mounted on the endoscope shaft, separate from the tissue retrieval device. This segmentation allows the endoscope to maintain its imaging and lighting capabilities while the retrieval device can be freely configured with steerability features and tissue collection mechanisms without obstructing the optical path, as each component operates independently.
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
This solution reduces the need for repeated device insertions, increases sample collection capacity, enhances navigation and visibility during procedures, and provides effective tissue identification and fragmentation capabilities, improving the efficiency and accuracy of medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a light conductor extending at least partially through the shaft outside of the working channel
Implementation Method 2
Other optically enhanced materials can include reflective materials to allow for interaction of the material with light to improve recognition by the optical device
Implementation Method 3
scaled-down laser fragmentation systems for bile duct procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A device (14) for performing a surgical procedure comprises a shaft (28) extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, a working channel extending through the shaft from the proximal portion to the distal portion, a light conductor (850) extending at least partially through the shaft outside of the working channel, wherein the light conductor includes slack (868) between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and a light emitter connected to the light conductor to emit light from the light conductor toward the surgical tool.