Bronchoscope Tip Marker for Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bronchoscopic procedures for diagnosing and treating lung lesions lack optimal localization and directionality, leading to suboptimal diagnostic yield and increased risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A robotic radial endobronchial ultrasound system with a flexible bronchoscope featuring an echogenic discrete marker at its tip, providing a reference point for 360-degree circumferential imaging and enabling precise localization of lung lesions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transbronchial needle aspiration is performed blindly without real-time imaging, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but diagnostic accuracy ranges widely and operator dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bronchoscopy with radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) capability, merging two functions into a single integrated system. The bronchoscope includes both visual imaging and ultrasound imaging capabilities, allowing the operator to perform both bronchoscopic examination and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration through the same device, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an echogenic marker as an intermediary reference object that facilitates the correlation between ultrasound images and bronchoscopic visual images. The marker appears as a distinct bright structure in ultrasound images and corresponds to a visible landmark in the bronchoscopic field, serving as a mediator that enables accurate spatial correlation and localization without requiring complex image registration algorithms
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic navigation is used to plan pathways and navigate to target tissue, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the navigation function from complex electromagnetic navigation systems and implements it through a simpler approach using an echogenic marker. The marker provides immediate visual reference for target localization without requiring elaborate pre-procedure planning, 3D reconstruction, or complex navigation software, thereby achieving accurate target localization while significantly reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The echogenic marker is pre-positioned at a known location within the airway or on the target lesion before the procedure begins. This preliminary placement of a reference object eliminates the need for complex real-time navigation and allows the operator to quickly locate the target by seeking the known marker position, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining localization accuracy
3Measurement precision
If radial endobronchial ultrasound probe is inserted into the working channel for imaging, then lesion visualization is improved, but the ability to perform other diagnostic procedures simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially performing ultrasound imaging and other diagnostic procedures rather than attempting to do them simultaneously. The operator can advance the bronchoscope to a position, perform R-EBUS imaging to locate the lesion, then perform biopsy or other procedures at that location, and repeat the cycle as needed. This sequential approach allows full utilization of all diagnostic capabilities without requiring complex multi-modal integration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bronchoscope with R-EBUS capability serves itself by providing both navigation and diagnostic functions through a single device. The operator uses the same bronchoscope for visual navigation, ultrasound imaging, and as the delivery channel for biopsy instruments, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices and maintaining procedural versatility
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
Enhances lesion localization, reduces biopsy complications, minimizes bleeding and injury, improves diagnostic yield, and shortens procedure duration by offering precise guidance during bronchoscopic interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The bronchoscope has an echogenic discrete marker formed inside and proximate its tip. The radial endobronchial ultrasound probe is configured for insertion into the airways of the patient where the radial endobronchial ultrasound probe rotates to capture a 360-degree circumferential image perpendicular to the radial endobronchial ultrasound probe itself. The echogenic discrete marker on the bronchoscope provides a reference point for localization of the lung lesions or nodules visualized by the image.
Data Source
AI summary
A radial endobronchial ultrasound system providing localization of visualized lung lesions or nodules in the airways of a patient is provided herein. The system has three, main components: a guide sheath with a distal end, a flexible bronchoscope with a tip, and a radial endobronchial ultrasound probe. The guide sheath directs insertion of the bronchoscope into the patient, with the tip of the bronchoscope extending beyond the distal end of the guide sheath. The bronchoscope has an echogenic discrete marker formed inside and proximate its tip and a working channel configured to include and direct the probe. The probe is configured for insertion into the airways of the patient where the probe rotates to capture a 360-degree circumferential image perpendicular to the probe itself. The echogenic discrete marker on the bronchoscope provides a reference point for localization of the lung lesions or nodules visualized by the image.