Colonoscopy Irrigation Composition for Mucosal Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colonoscopy procedures often miss a small percentage of polyps and are hindered by colonic spasm due to manipulation with the colonoscope, and existing irrigation solutions can obscure visualization with turbidity or require higher concentrations of surfactants.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous colonoscopy irrigation composition comprising a surfactant like simethicone, a muscle relaxant such as peppermint oil, and a dye like indigo or methylene blue, used at lower concentrations to minimize bubble formation and enhance visualization without clouding, delivered during the procedure to aid in the examination of the colonic mucosal surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional saline solution is used for irrigation during colonoscopy, then the procedure can be performed, but visualization is obscured due to turbidity and bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the irrigation solution by incorporating surfactants (reducing surface tension to eliminate bubbles), muscle relaxants (peppermint oil to reduce spasm), and dyes (for enhanced visualization). These parameter changes transform the solution from simple saline to a multifunctional composition that addresses multiple issues simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation solution is formulated as a composite material combining multiple active ingredients: surfactants (e.g., polysorbate 80), muscle relaxants (e.g., peppermint oil), dyes (e.g., indigo carmine), and saline base. This composite approach allows each component to address specific problems—surfactants reduce bubbles, muscle relaxants reduce spasm, and dyes enhance visualization—achieving superior overall performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If higher concentrations of surfactants are used to reduce bubbles, then bubble formation decreases, but the solution becomes turbid and obscures visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surfactant concentration parameter to a specific range (0.1-1.0 mL per liter of saline) that is sufficient to reduce surface tension and eliminate bubbles but low enough to maintain solution clarity. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between bubble reduction and visualization clarity.
3Reliability
If colonoscopy is performed without muscle relaxant, then the procedure can be completed, but colonic spasm occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces peppermint oil as an intermediary substance that mediates between the colonoscope manipulation and the colonic muscle response. The peppermint oil acts as a natural muscle relaxant, reducing spasm and cramping caused by the procedure, thereby improving patient comfort and procedure effectiveness without interfering with the diagnostic capability.
4Productivity
If standard irrigation solution is used, then the procedure can be performed, but a small percentage of polyps are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates blue dyes (indigo carmine or methylene blue) into the irrigation solution. These dyes selectively stain the colonic mucosa, creating color contrast that enhances the visibility of polyps and other mucosal abnormalities. The color change allows for better differentiation between normal tissue and pathological lesions, reducing missed diagnoses.
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 composition allows for clearer visualization of the mucosal surface, reducing missed polyps and colonic spasms, thereby improving detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, and can be used in trans-rectal preps or irrigation during colonoscopy.
Implementation Method 1
The composition is an aqueous composition and can comprise one or more of a surfactant, a muscle relaxant, and a dye. For example, the surfactant can be simethicone
Implementation Method 2
the muscle relaxant can be peppermint oil
Implementation Method 3
the dye can be an indigo, blue or green colored contrast dye
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are clear aqueous colonoscopy irrigation compositions, and methods for visualization of colonic mucosa during colonoscopy procedure. The composition comprises indigo, blue or green colored contrast dye, polydimethylsiloxane, and muscle relaxant.