Deployable Endoscopic Imaging Module with Solid-State Variable Direction of View
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems lack flexibility in viewing directions, especially in anatomically constrained surgical environments, where changing the endoscope's position is difficult or impossible, limiting the ability to visualize structures beside or behind the distal tip.
Innovation Solution
A deployable endoscopic imaging module with solid-state variable direction of view (SS-VDOV) technology, manipulated through direct contact force, mechanical linkage, or magnetic force, allowing for adjustable viewing angles without moving the endoscope itself, combined with a camera control unit and interface module for external control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope position is changed to visualize structures beside or behind the distal tip, then the viewing direction is improved, but the surgical flexibility deteriorates due to anatomical constraints and difficulty in moving the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the viewing function into two independent parts: the fixed endoscope body and the movable imaging module. The imaging module can be independently positioned and oriented at the distal tip, allowing it to capture images from multiple directions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) without moving the entire endoscope shaft, thus resolving the contradiction between viewing flexibility and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging module is nested within or attached to the distal tip of the endoscope. This nested configuration allows the imaging module to be manipulated independently (via mechanical linkage, magnetic force, or direct contact) while remaining integrated with the endoscope system, enabling multi-directional imaging without compromising the ease of endoscope insertion and positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple endoscopes are used to provide different viewing angles, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and number of incisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging module is designed as a multi-functional device that can capture images from multiple directions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) using a single unit. By incorporating multiple imaging sensors or a movable sensor array within one module, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate endoscopes, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity and the number of required incisions
3Measurement precision
If a rigid endoscope is used for narrow field observations, then the image quality is improved, but the ability to view wide area structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging module incorporates movable imaging sensors that can dynamically adjust their orientation to capture images at different angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). This dynamic positioning capability allows a single high-quality imaging sensor to cover a wide area by sequentially scanning different directions, thereby maintaining image quality while expanding the effective field of view beyond what a fixed rigid endoscope could provide
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 surgical flexibility by enabling visualization of structures beyond the endoscope's distal tip, reducing the need for multiple incisions and maintaining image quality, while being atraumatic and cosmetically advantageous with reduced mobility constraints.
Implementation Method 1
manipulated by direct contact force, mechanical linkage and/or magnetic force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
A deployable endoscopic imaging module and endoscopic surgical system having an imaging system with solid state variable direction of view navigation features, and manipulated by direct contact force, mechanical linkage and/or magnetic force. A deployable endoscopic imaging module or endoscopic imaging system equipped with solid state variable direction of view image navigation features and software. A deployable imaging system having image navigation software and solid state variable direction of view technology which can be incorporated into a percutaneous housing for performing surgery through a patient's skin.