Compact Hysteroscope With Single-Use Tissue Resector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hysteroscopy systems are large, requiring anesthesia, and their tissue removal devices are complex, expensive, and need special handling and sterilization, limiting their use to operating room settings and reducing efficiency with hanging bag fluid sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact hysteroscope with a single-use uterine tissue resector featuring a rotatable inner cutting tube driven by a motor within a handle, along with a modular flow channel system that allows for efficient fluid management and tissue removal without the need for anesthesia, enabling use in office settings and simplifying handling and sterilization procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current hysteroscopes are used, then tissue removal function is achieved, but device size becomes large requiring anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The resector is inserted through the working channel of the hysteroscope, with the inner cutting tube positioned within the outer cutting tube. This nested configuration allows the tissue removal function to be achieved while maintaining a compact overall device size that can be introduced through the cervix without requiring large diameter hysteroscopes or anesthesia.
2Productivity
If current resectors are used, then tissue removal is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase requiring special handling and sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The resector is designed as a single-use disposable device with segmented components including an outer cutting tube, inner cutting tube, and handle assembly. This segmentation allows the complex tissue removal function to be achieved while simplifying handling and eliminating the need for sterilization procedures, as the entire device is discarded after a single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The resector is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after one procedure. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization and cleaning procedures required for reusable devices, reducing device complexity in terms of maintenance while maintaining full tissue removal capability during use.
3Quantity of substance
If large outflow cross-sectional area is used, then fluid balance is maintained, but hysteroscope diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system uses a modular flow channel that can be attached to the hysteroscope. This separate modular component provides the necessary outflow cross-sectional area for fluid balance without increasing the diameter of the hysteroscope itself, allowing adequate fluid management while maintaining a compact insertable device size.
4Quantity of substance
If modular flow channel is used, then fluid control is improved, but device assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular flow channel is designed to be compatible with standard hysteroscope configurations and can be attached using常规 connection mechanisms. This universal design allows the flow channel to serve multiple functions including outflow management and fluid balance control without requiring specialized assembly procedures, improving fluid control while minimizing assembly 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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and cost-effective hysteroscope system that can be used in office settings without anesthesia, with improved fluid control and simplified handling, enhancing the efficiency of uterine tissue removal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a motor positioned within the handle and coupled to a proximal end of the inner cutting tube, wherein upon activation of the motor, the motor rotates the inner cutting tube relative to the outer cutting tube
Implementation Method 2
a battery positioned within the handle that is in electrical communication with the motor
Implementation Method 3
a distal portion of the inner cutting tube and a distal portion of the outer cutting tube comprise apertures having cutting surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A compact multi-lumened hysteroscope, a single-use tissue resector, and a medical system employing the same for diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of uterine tissue, such as polyps and fibroids.