Cuff-Based Articulation for Independent Endoscopic Instrument Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical instruments advanced through endoscopes face limited maneuverability due to the articulation of the endoscope, restricting access to certain body areas via tortuous paths.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device with first and second cuffs and an actuation wire system that allows independent articulation of medical instruments, including a friction-enhancing inner member and a rigid outer member, and a membrane with ridges and valleys, enabling controlled bending of the instrument relative to the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope articulates to navigate tortuous paths, then the endoscope can reach target sites, but the medical instrument maneuverability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the articulation function into two independent segments: endoscope articulation for navigation and medical instrument articulation for manipulation. The accessory device with cuffs and actuation wires enables the medical instrument to articulate independently of the endoscope, resolving the limitation where instrument maneuverability was constrained by endoscope articulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary between the endoscope and the medical instrument. It includes cuffs that secure to the medical device and actuation wires that transmit forces independently from the endoscope, allowing the medical instrument to overcome the articulation limitation of the endoscope.
2Length of moving object
If the medical instrument is advanced distally beyond the endoscope, then the treatment site is accessible, but the instrument loses maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation control is segmented into independent systems: the endoscope handles advancement and positioning, while the accessory device with its own actuation wires handles instrument articulation. This allows the instrument to be advanced to the distal end and then articulated independently for manipulation at the target site.
3Device complexity
If conventional endoscopes are used, then the device structure is simple, but access to certain body areas is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device provides multi-functionality by enabling both endoscope navigation and independent medical instrument articulation through a single add-on system. The cuffs can secure to various medical devices, and the actuation wires can be configured for different articulation needs, making the system adaptable to various target sites without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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
Enhances maneuverability and access to target sites by allowing medical instruments to navigate tortuous paths and approach from different directions, independent of the endoscope's articulation.
Implementation Method 1
A material of the inner member may be configured to increase a friction between the inner member and the medical device
Implementation Method 2
the outer member may be configured to compress the inner member against the medical device when one or more of the first cuff and the second cuff is secured to the medical device
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory device for use with a medical device includes a first cuff secured to a distal end of the medical device, a second cuff secured to the medical device proximal of the first cuff, an actuator, and at least one actuation wire extending from the first cuff, through the second cuff, to the actuator.