Bronchoscope Specimen Holder with Needle Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopy procedures require two practitioners to manage the bronchoscope and specimen container due to the flexibility of the bronchoscope cable, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A specimen container holding apparatus equipped with a needle guide that allows for the drainage of liquids from the bronchoscope to the specimen container, reducing the dexterity required and minimizing spills, and includes a detachable design for ease of use and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible bronchoscope cable is used, then the bronchoscope can navigate through airways effectively, but two practitioners are required to handle the bronchoscope and specimen container separately, increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the specimen container holder with the bronchoscope into a single integrated apparatus. The container holder is positioned to move with the bronchoscope, allowing one practitioner to control both the bronchoscope and specimen collection simultaneously, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining the flexibility needed for airway navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a needle guide as an intermediary component that facilitates the transfer of liquid from the bronchoscope to the specimen container. The needle guide includes openings that receive the needle and guide it into the container, simplifying the drainage process and reducing the skill level required while maintaining effective sample collection
2Reliability
If two practitioners are used to handle the bronchoscope and specimen container, then sample collection can be performed, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen container holder is integrated with the bronchoscope assembly, allowing a single practitioner to manipulate both components. The holder is positioned adjacent to the bronchoscope tip and moves with it, enabling one-person operation while maintaining reliable sample collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with detachable components including the container holder and needle guide that can be separated for cleaning and maintenance. This segmentation allows the integrated design to be achieved while maintaining ease of cleaning and sterilization, thereby improving procedural efficiency without compromising sample collection reliability
3Quantity of substance
If liquid drainage from bronchoscope to specimen container is performed manually, then sample transfer can be achieved, but spills are more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guide serves as an intermediary device that channels liquid from the bronchoscope needle directly into the specimen container. The guide includes specific openings that receive and direct the needle, creating a controlled drainage path that minimizes spill risk while ensuring complete liquid transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual, uncontrolled liquid transfer with a guided mechanical system. The needle guide provides a structured pathway for the needle, substituting manual dexterity requirements with a mechanical guidance system that reduces spill risk and improves transfer reliability
4Ease of operation
If the specimen container holder is integrated with the bronchoscope, then single-practitioner operation is enabled, but cleaning and maintenance become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus is designed with detachable segments including the container holder and needle guide that can be separated from the main bronchoscope body. This segmentation enables easy disassembly for thorough cleaning and maintenance while maintaining the integrated functionality during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and ease of cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen container holding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to hold a container for receiving liquids from a bronchoscope. The apparatus includes a needle guide with a first and a second opening configured to receive a needle of the bronchoscope. The first and second opening may be disposed on a removable tip of the needle guide. The removable tip may be detachably connected to a removable tip connection point. The apparatus may further include a slide holder configured to hold a slide.