Magnetically Actuated Capsule Endoscope with Deformable Needle Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule endoscopes are limited in their ability to take biopsy samples, particularly from deep-seated lesions or tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, as they can only obtain superficial samples, which may lead to lower diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically actuated capsule endoscope (B-MASCE) with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) capability, equipped with a permanent magnet, deformable members, and a needle that can penetrate deeply into tissues, allowing for the collection of subsurface biopsy samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capsule endoscope is designed to take biopsy samples, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biopsy function with the existing capsule endoscope structure by integrating a needle mechanism that can penetrate through the capsule body. The deformable members serve dual purposes: they enable locomotion of the capsule and simultaneously act as a mechanism to deploy and retract the needle for biopsy sampling, thereby merging multiple functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable members in the capsule endoscope are designed to perform multiple functions: they enable the capsule to move through the gastrointestinal tract, and they also serve as the actuation mechanism for deploying the biopsy needle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, addressing the contradiction between added capability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a needle is used to penetrate deeply into tissues for biopsy, then the diagnostic accuracy for deep-seated lesions is improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The deformable members can change their configuration to deploy the needle when needed and retract it when not in use. This dynamic deployment allows the needle to penetrate deeply into tissues for accurate sampling while minimizing exposure time and reducing the risk of unnecessary tissue damage when the needle is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (magnetic field strength) to control the deformable members, which in turn control the needle deployment. By changing the magnetic field parameters, the system can precisely control when and how the needle penetrates tissue, enabling deep sampling for diagnostic accuracy while minimizing harmful effects through precise temporal and spatial control.
3Reliability
If deformable members are used to cover and uncover the needle tip, then the safety is improved by preventing needle exposure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety covering function with the locomotion mechanism. The same deformable members that enable the capsule to move through the gastrointestinal tract also serve as the covering mechanism for the needle. When the capsule moves, the deformable members naturally cover the needle tip; when deployed for biopsy, they uncover it. This eliminates the need for a separate covering mechanism, improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
B-MASCE enables the reliable collection of deep tissue biopsy samples, improving diagnostic accuracy for submucosal tumors and other deep-seated lesions, while minimizing patient discomfort and procedural time.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet arranged within the top housing part... configured to be moved in an externally applied magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of deformable members are configured to repeatedly expand and contract to respectively cover and uncover a tip of said needle... configured to contract on the application of a pre-defined magnetic field gradient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetically actuated capsule endoscope, the endoscope comprising: a body having a top housing part and a bottom housing part; a permanent magnet arranged within the top housing part; a plurality of deformable members extending from the top housing part to an end of the bottom housing part; and a needle projecting from the top housing part towards the bottom housing part and surrounded by the plurality of deformable members, wherein the plurality of deformable members are configured to repeatedly expand and contract to respectively cover and uncover a tip of said needle. The invention further relates to a magnetic field generating and sensing apparatus for a magnetically actuated endoscope and to a method of actuating a magnetically actuated capsule endoscope.