Endoscopic Catheter Ridges Elevator Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic devices face challenges in precisely navigating and securing the position of guidewires and catheters within the working channel of an endoscope, particularly during biliary applications, where subtle movements can lead to withdrawal from the papilla of Vater, necessitating repeated skilled maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
The design of endoscopic catheters with one or more ridges or protrusions that interact with the elevator of an endoscope, allowing for controlled advancement, retraction, and secure positioning through the use of a ratchet mechanism, where the elevator fits between the ridges to hold the catheter in place and can be actuated to move the catheter in a step-wise manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter is advanced through the working channel of an endoscope, then the catheter can be positioned for intervention, but the catheter may undergo subtle movements and withdrawal from the papilla of Vater, requiring repeated skilled maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a smooth shaft portion for navigation and a distal end portion with ridges for engagement. This segmentation allows the catheter to be easily advanced while providing stable positioning through the ridges that interact with the elevator mechanism, preventing withdrawal without requiring repeated maneuvering
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator mechanism serves as an intermediary between the catheter and the operator's control. The ridges on the catheter engage with the elevator, allowing the operator to control catheter positioning through the elevator's movement. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable positioning while simplifying the operation by translating complex manual manipulation into controlled elevator actuation
2Reliability
If repeated skilled maneuvering is performed to prevent catheter withdrawal, then catheter positioning can be maintained, but procedure time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is pre-configured with ridges on its distal end portion before insertion. These ridges are designed to engage with the elevator mechanism from the outset, establishing stable positioning before any manipulation is required. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for repeated maneuvering during the procedure, reducing overall procedure time while maintaining positioning reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopes, medical devices for use with endoscopes, and methods for making and using endoscopes. An example medical device for use with an endoscope is a catheter having one or more ridges formed on an outer surface thereof. The ridges may interact, for example, with the elevator of an endoscope.