Braided Polymer Sheath for Bronchoscope Measurement
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bronchoscopic procedures lack effective methods for accurately measuring and referencing the movement of bronchoscopes within the airway during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, leading to potential inaccuracies in treatment delivery and dosing.
Innovation Solution
A braided polymer thread/filament sheath with markings at predetermined increments is designed to fit snugly over the bronchoscope, providing measurement and alignment references, expanding for easy loading and tightening for secure fit, while offering thermal insulation and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sheath is designed to fit snugly over the bronchoscope to provide measurement reference, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the braided structure and loading mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a braided sheath structure that functions as a flexible shell conforming to the bronchoscope surface. The braid construction allows the sheath to expand and contract while maintaining snug contact, providing measurement markings without rigid structural complexity. This flexible shell approach resolves the contradiction by achieving precise measurement reference through material flexibility rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed to be loaded onto the bronchoscope by compressing the braided structure and sliding it over the scope, then it expands to fit snugly. This nesting mechanism allows the measurement device to be stored compactly and easily applied without complex attachment mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement precision during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheath is made expandable to accommodate different scope diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to the braided polymer construction
Solution Approach 1:
The braided sheath utilizes parameter changes in its physical state - specifically, the ability of the braid structure to expand and contract elastically. By changing the compression state of the braided polymer, the sheath inner diameter can be adjusted to accommodate different bronchoscope sizes. This parameter-based adaptability avoids the need for multiple fixed-size sheaths or complex adjustable mechanisms, resolving the contradiction through material property utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is constructed from braided polymer thread/filament, creating a composite material structure that combines flexibility, expandability, and structural integrity. The braided construction allows the sheath to exhibit both rigidity when expanded (for stable measurement reference) and flexibility when compressed (for loading and adaptability). This composite approach achieves versatility across different scope diameters without requiring mechanically complex adjustment systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sheath provides thermal insulation during cryotherapy, then protection from thermal injury is improved, but the sheath material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath acts as an intermediary layer between the cryotherapy bronchoscope and the surrounding tissue environment. The braided polymer structure provides thermal insulation that protects against excessive cold transmission while allowing the procedure to proceed. This intermediary function is achieved through the inherent thermal properties of the polymer braid rather than through complex thermal management systems, resolving the contradiction by using the sheath structure itself as the protective barrier.
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 sheath enables precise measurement and alignment of bronchoscope movement, preventing overlapping treatments, ensuring accurate dosing and protecting against thermal injuries during procedures like cryotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
The braid structure is analogous to a Chinese finger puzzle, increasing in diameter when compressed longitudinally, and collapsing/locking down when it is placed under tension. When the sheath is compressed longitudinally, the inner diameter of the sheath expands significantly more than its braided diameter
Implementation Method 2
The braided sleeve provides insulation and reference markings for multiple scope diameters... protecting against thermal injuries during procedures like cryotherapy
Data Source
AI summary
A bronchoscopic sheath adapted to be fit over the outside surface of the proximal portion of a bronchoscope to assist with measuring or spacing of treatment. The measurement or spacing sheath is preferably made of braided polymer filament and is configured to collapse under tension and open/expand when the ends of the sheath are pushed towards one-another. Markings are provided on the sheath at regular intervals to reflect distance. The markings may be woven into the braid, or printed on the exterior of the braid. The proximal end of the sheath may be flared and the distal end may be tapered. Each end may be provided with a cuff that may be part of the braid, or a separate elastomeric material, or a thermally sealed edge with atraumatic tip.