Bronchoscope Handle With Locking Nose Cone For One-Handed Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopy procedures require two hands to manipulate the bronchoscope and surgical instruments, making it difficult for a single practitioner to perform procedures efficiently, especially when inserting instruments through a working channel or extended working channel, which often necessitates additional hands to stabilize the bronchoscope and actuate instruments.
Innovation Solution
A handle system with a nose cone and locking mechanism allows for one-handed actuation of a catheter and surgical instrument, featuring a retraction control that transitions between locked and unlocked positions to facilitate longitudinal movement of the nose cone, enabling single-handed manipulation of the bronchoscope and associated tools, along with a support system for instruments and catheters to stabilize the bronchoscope during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bronchoscope and surgical instruments are manipulated during a procedure, then diagnostic or therapeutic tasks can be performed, but at least two hands are required to secure the bronchoscope and actuate instruments, increasing procedure complexity and personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of securing the bronchoscope and actuating surgical instruments into a single integrated handle assembly. The handle includes a first portion for receiving the bronchoscope and a second portion for receiving the surgical instrument, with a common actuation mechanism that allows one-handed operation of both components simultaneously, thereby reducing procedure complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the bronchoscope, holds the surgical instrument, and provides actuation mechanisms for both. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each task, allowing a single practitioner to perform procedures that previously required multiple personnel
2Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are inserted through a working channel to reach remote targets, then access to difficult-to-reach areas is achieved, but additional hands are needed to stabilize the bronchoscope and manipulate the instrument, requiring at least two people
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is nested within the handle assembly, which itself is attached to the bronchoscope. This nested configuration allows the instrument to be advanced through the working channel while the handle provides stable support and control, enabling one-handed manipulation despite the complexity of reaching remote targets
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly acts as an intermediary between the practitioner and the surgical instrument. It provides a stable interface that translates simple hand movements into precise instrument manipulation deep within the working channel, making remote target access feasible with only one hand
3Measurement precision
If the distal tip of the bronchoscope is steered to reach target locations, then navigation to specific sites is enabled, but both hands are occupied (one holding the bronchoscope, one manipulating instruments), eliminating the ability to perform additional tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The handle merges the bronchoscope holder and instrument actuator into a single unit, freeing one hand for bronchoscope steering while the other hand controls the surgical instrument. This combination enables simultaneous precise targeting and instrument manipulation, and allows the practitioner to perform additional tasks with the freed hand
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for longitudinal movement of a first tubular member over a second tubular member includes a handle body, a nose cone, a locking mechanism, and a retraction control. The nose cone has a sleeve and an outer wall that define a control channel therebetween. The nose cone is moveable over the handle body between extended and retracted positions. The locking mechanism has locked and unlocked positions for selectively fixing the nose cone in the extended and retracted positions. A finger of the retraction control is positioned within the control channel of the nose cone. The retraction control has first and second positions relative to the nose cone for transitioning the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked position and for moving the nose cone between the extended and retracted positions.