Coaxial Micro-Endoscope Deflection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopes with optical and steering capabilities face limitations in accessing small lumens due to their large diameter, impaired visualization from debris, and fragility, necessitating the need for smaller diameter devices with high-resolution imaging and navigability.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable endoscope design featuring a coaxial structure with an outer and inner member, where axial movement is restricted by a reinforcement member, allowing the distal tip to deflect laterally, integrated with a CMOS module for high-resolution imaging and lubrication for navigation in small spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a co-linear multi-lumen catheter with dedicated optical assembly lumen is used, then the optical assembly can enter small bile and pancreatic ducts, but the catheter itself with 3.3 mm crossing profile is still restricted access and visualization is impaired by stone debris or sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple independent lumens, with at least one lumen dedicated to irrigation/flushing and another for the optical assembly. This segmentation allows simultaneous irrigation to clear debris and optical visualization, resolving the conflict between small diameter and debris accumulation by providing separate functional pathways within the catheter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid irrigation through dedicated lumens to flush away stone debris and sludge from the visualization path. By incorporating hydraulic flow capability into the small-diameter catheter design, the system maintains clear optical pathways despite the constrained size, directly addressing the debris accumulation problem.
2Volume of moving object
If fiber optic technology is used to reduce delivery diameter, then the catheter can access small lumens, but the device becomes fragile and image quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fiber optic technology to CMOS camera technology, representing a fundamental parameter change in the imaging modality. CMOS cameras are more robust and less fragile than fiber optic bundles, while maintaining compatibility with small-diameter catheter designs. This parameter change resolves the fragility issue while preserving the small delivery diameter capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If push/pull or steering wires are placed circumferentially around the catheter, then steering capability is achieved, but the overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steering mechanism by attaching the distal end of the inner catheter to the distal end of the column member, merging the deflection function into the existing coaxial structure. This integration achieves steering capability without requiring additional circumferential wires, thereby maintaining the small catheter diameter while providing adaptability for navigating small lumens.
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
Enables visualization and treatment in small lumens with reduced diameter, improved image quality, and enhanced navigability without increasing the device size, facilitating flushing to clear debris and maintain clear visualization.
Implementation Method 1
A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally
Implementation Method 2
The inner member can be lubricated to facilitate movement of the inner member therein to facilitate deflection
Data Source
AI summary
A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.