Capsule Endoscope Strut Expansion for Collapsed Lumen Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule endoscopy is limited by the inability to effectively distend luminal tissue, leading to suboptimal visualization and diagnostic efficacy due to collapsed or folded lumens obstructing the lens, and existing methods for luminal expansion, such as gas release or radial extensions, are inadequate or cause patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A luminal expansion device with radiating struts attached to a capsule endoscope, using a retention mechanism and a fuse wire to release the struts after imaging, ensuring complete visualization and easy passage, featuring a retention strap and a trigger mechanism for controlled strut detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capsule endoscopy is used for non-invasive visualization, then patient comfort and ease of operation are improved, but visualization quality deteriorates due to collapsed lumens obstructing the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary luminal distention by deploying struts before the capsule endoscope begins imaging. The struts are contained within a retention mechanism during insertion and are released to expand the lumen diameter, creating adequate space for the capsule to visualize the GI tract without obstruction from collapsed tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The struts act as an intermediary mechanical structure between the capsule endoscope and the lumen wall. By deploying these struts, the device creates a temporary scaffold that maintains lumen patency and prevents tissue collapse around the capsule, thereby improving visualization quality while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the procedure
2Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopy with insufflation is used to expand the lumen, then visualization quality is improved, but patient discomfort and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a mechanical strut-based expansion system rather than pneumatic insufflation. The struts are mechanically deployed to physically prop open the lumen, replacing the need for gas insufflation that causes patient discomfort while achieving the same goal of luminal distention for improved visualization
3Measurement precision
If radial extensions are added to the capsule endoscope to distend the lumen, then visualization quality is improved, but device complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion function is segmented from the capsule endoscope body and implemented as separate deployable struts. These struts are initially contained within a retention mechanism and are released in a controlled manner, allowing luminal distention without permanently increasing the capsule's structural complexity or requiring continuous active components
4Measurement precision
If struts are deployed to distend the lumen, then visualization quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to retention and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is designed to automatically release the struts based on predetermined conditions such as time delay or positional triggers. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external control systems or additional actuators, reducing overall device complexity while still enabling controlled strut deployment for improved visualization
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for distending a body lumen for enhanced visualization with a capsule endoscope includes a plurality of struts. The plurality of struts may be expandable, for example, when within the body lumen, thereby creating local distension of tissue away from a camera of the capsule endoscope and enhancing visualization. The devices and methods may include propelling of the capsule endoscope through the body lumen.