Deflectable Endoscopic Needle for Precise Single-Operator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrocautery needles require cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments to position accurately within the body, often necessitating a second operator for control.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable injection needle with a positioning mechanism, including a clevis, pivoting member, and control members, allows the needle to pivot relative to a flexible elongate member, enabling precise positioning and independent control by a single physician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the endoscope is articulated and maneuvered to position the electrocautery needle, then the needle can reach the target tissue, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent functional components: the endoscope for visualization and the deflectable electrocautery needle for treatment. The needle can be independently deflected from the endoscope axis using a positioning mechanism with control wires, allowing separate optimization of each function. This segmentation enables precise needle positioning without requiring time-consuming endoscope manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrocautery needle is designed with a deflectable distal section that can dynamically change its orientation relative to the endoscope axis. The positioning mechanism allows real-time adjustment of the needle's deflection angle through control wires, enabling rapid and accurate positioning at the target site without the delays associated with static endoscope articulation.
2Ease of operation
If a second operator controls the needle operation, then precise control is achieved, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope and electrocautery needle are combined into a single integrated device with a unified control mechanism. The positioning mechanism allows one operator to control both the endoscope navigation and the needle deflection through coordinated manipulation of control wires, eliminating the need for a second operator and simplifying the procedural workflow while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: visualization through the endoscope, tissue targeting through needle deflection, and treatment through electrocautery. This multi-functionality in a single device allows one operator to perform all tasks, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining the precision previously requiring multiple operators.
3Measurement precision
If the endoscope is extensively manipulated to position the needle, then accurate placement is achieved, but the overall procedure efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the positioning function from the visualization function, the needle can be independently deflected to the target location while the endoscope remains relatively stable. This independent control through the positioning mechanism and control wires achieves accurate placement without the time-consuming endoscope manipulation, thereby improving procedure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable needle design with dynamic positioning capability allows rapid adjustment of the needle's distal section to reach the target tissue. This dynamic control enables accurate needle placement with minimal endoscope movement, significantly reducing the time required for positioning and improving overall procedural efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising a flexible elongate member including a longitudinal axis and a tool connected to the elongate member at a pivot axis, wherein the tool may be configured to conduct electricity and deliver a fluid, and wherein the tool may be configured to pivot towards either side of the longitudinal axis relative to the elongate member at the pivot axis.