Bronchoscope Coupling Assembly for Independent Tool Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bronchoscopy procedures face challenges in managing and securing bronchoscopes and associated surgical tools due to the lack of additional channels for secondary tools, leading to ergonomic and usage difficulties for clinicians.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device is introduced that allows for the connection of one or more surgical tools to the outside of a bronchoscope, enabling independent steering and maneuvering of the bronchoscope and surgical tools, with features like elastomeric sheaths and locking mechanisms to secure and manage tools during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bronchoscope is used with a single working channel for surgical tools, then the procedure can be performed with basic equipment, but clinicians face ergonomic challenges and difficulty in managing multiple tools simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external coupling device that attaches to the bronchoscope, creating a new spatial dimension for tool management outside the single working channel. This external platform allows multiple surgical tools to be coupled and managed simultaneously, transforming the single-channel limitation into a multi-tool capability without modifying the bronchoscope's internal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the bronchoscope and multiple surgical tools. It provides a mechanical interface that secures tools to the bronchoscope exterior, enabling clinicians to manage multiple instruments without directly manipulating each tool through the single working channel, thus improving ergonomics and tool management.
2Ease of operation
If multiple surgical tools are managed through a single working channel, then device complexity remains low, but tool interference and maneuverability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device segments the tool management function from the bronchoscope's working channel. By providing separate coupling points on the external platform, each surgical tool can be independently positioned and maneuvered without interfering with others, eliminating the tool interference problem while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If clinicians manually hold and manipulate the bronchoscope and tools, then no additional coupling mechanisms are needed, but ergonomic challenges and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the bronchoscope and multiple surgical tools into a single integrated assembly. This unified structure allows clinicians to manipulate the entire system as one unit rather than separately controlling the bronchoscope and each tool, significantly improving ergonomics and reducing procedural fatigue.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a coupling device configured to receive first and second devices. The coupling device may define a first passageway having an inner surface with a first coefficient of friction and defining a first axis. The coupling device may define a second passageway having an inner surface with a second coefficient of friction and defining a second axis, wherein at least a portion of the second axis is at an angle relative to the first axis.