Biopsy Support System Using Plastic Deformation Guide Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing and sampling tissues in lumens, such as the bronchus, using ultrasound probes face challenges in accurately reaching the desired lesion site due to reliance on optical and tomographic images alone, which can be insufficient for precise navigation.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy support system that includes a guide sheath capable of plastic deformation, an endoscope for image pickup and position data output, an insertion support device for generating three-dimensional image information, and a processor for navigation image generation, allowing precise positioning of the endoscope and biopsy instrument within the lumen for accurate tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a guide system uses only optical images and tomographic images for navigation, then the system structure remains simple, but the precision of accessing the desired lesion site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pre-obtained three-dimensional image information (from CT or MRI) with real-time ultrasound imaging to create a composite navigation system. This merging of different imaging modalities provides both macroscopic anatomical context and microscopic real-time guidance, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and system complexity by integrating multiple data sources into a unified navigation interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays two-dimensional ultrasound images onto three-dimensional pre-obtained anatomical models, creating a multi-dimensional navigation system. This dimensional integration allows operators to navigate through complex lumens by correlating real-time 2D ultrasound data with 3D anatomical context, significantly improving positioning precision without requiring overly complex standalone systems
2Productivity
If a larger biopsy instrument and ultrasound probe are used, then the sampling effectiveness improves, but the endoscope diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the diagnostic and sampling functions into separate modular components: a navigation endoscope for imaging and guidance, and a separate biopsy instrument for tissue sampling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the endoscope maintains a smaller diameter for better access, while the biopsy instrument can be larger and more effective without compromising overall system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide sheath as an intermediary component that facilitates the passage of larger biopsy instruments and ultrasound probes through the endoscope channel. The guide sheath acts as a mediator that enables the use of larger, more effective sampling tools while maintaining the smaller endoscope diameter needed for patient comfort and procedural access
3Measurement precision
If real-time ultrasound guidance is integrated with three-dimensional image navigation, then navigation precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the navigation system with multi-functional capabilities that can operate at different levels of complexity. The system can function using pre-obtained three-dimensional images alone for simple cases, or integrate real-time ultrasound guidance for more complex procedures. This universal design allows the system to adapt its complexity to the specific procedural needs, improving navigation precision when required without mandating maximum complexity for all cases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where real-time ultrasound images are continuously compared with the pre-obtained three-dimensional anatomical model. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust the navigation path and provide real-time positional confirmation, significantly improving navigation precision while managing complexity through automated image correlation and registration algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A living tissue sampling method includes inserting an endoscope inserted into a guide sheath into a body cavity of a subject, checking three-dimensional image information of a body cavity path against distal end position data of the endoscope, bringing distal ends of the endoscope and the guide sheath close to a focused region, removing the endoscope from the guide sheath while keeping the guide sheath stationed inside the body cavity, inserting a biopsy instrument into the guide sheath, and sampling living tissue of the focused region by the biopsy instrument.