Bronchoscope Coupler Mechanism for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopy procedures face challenges such as maintaining the distal tip of the bronchoscope or extendable working channel at the target tissue, fatigue from holding the bronchoscope, potential inadvertent actuation of instruments, and exposure to harmful radiation, which are exacerbated by the need for multiple practitioners to manage the bronchoscope and instruments simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism that includes a base, lever, and opposed arms, allowing for secure clamping and unclamping configurations to stabilize the bronchoscope relative to an external fixture, enabling independent control of the bronchoscope and instruments, reducing clinician fatigue and exposure to radiation by allowing single-practitioner operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple practitioners are employed to operate the bronchoscope and instruments simultaneously, then the procedure can be performed with proper control and stabilization, but the cost and complexity of the procedure increases due to additional personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary device that connects the bronchoscope to the C-arm imaging system. This mediator provides mechanical stabilization and positioning capabilities that previously required multiple practitioners to manually maintain, thereby reducing personnel requirements while preserving procedural control and reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the clinician holds the bronchoscope in a fixed position over long procedures, then the distal tip can be maintained at the target tissue, but the clinician experiences fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism segments the bronchoscope system into two independent components: the imaging system (C-arm) that provides stable positioning and support, and the bronchoscope that the clinician operates. This segmentation transfers the burden of maintaining positional stability from the clinician to the mechanical coupling system, reducing fatigue while preserving stable distal tip positioning.
3Measurement precision
If the clinician remains in close proximity to the instrument during the procedure, then the distal tip can be precisely controlled at the target tissue, but the clinician is exposed to harmful radiation from imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary that mechanically links the imaging system to the bronchoscope, enabling precise distal tip positioning through the imaging system's stable platform. This allows the clinician to operate from a distance, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision through the mechanical stability provided by the coupling device.
4Ease of operation
If the bronchoscope is held manually during instrument insertion, then the working channel can be accessed, but the risk of inadvertent actuation or articulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism segments the control functions by anchoring the bronchoscope to a stable external platform. This separation allows the clinician to manipulate instruments through the working channel independently while the coupling system maintains stable positioning, preventing inadvertent actuation or articulation that could occur during manual holding.
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 coupling mechanism allows for secure fixation and independent control of the bronchoscope, reducing fatigue and radiation exposure, enabling precise procedures without the need for multiple practitioners, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed between the lever and the base such that the lever is biased into the clamped configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling mechanism includes a base and a lever. The base is configured to couple to an external fixture. The lever is pivotably coupled to the base and transitionable between a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. A first pair of opposed arms extends from the base and a second pair of opposed arms extends from the lever in opposed relation to the first pair of opposed arms. In the clamped configuration the second pair of opposed arms are proximate the first pair of opposed arms, and in the unclamped configuration the second pair of opposed arms are spaced apart from the first pair of opposed arms. At least one of the first pair of opposed arms or the second pair of opposed arms includes a step thereon. The step is configured to receive and retain a surgical tool therein in the clamped configuration.