Deployable Medical Lighting Assemblies for Body Lumen Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing small anatomical structures during medical procedures, such as bronchoscopies, is challenging due to low light conditions at the target treatment site.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with a cable or wire and multiple lighting assemblies, each equipped with anchoring features, that can transition between configurations to enhance illumination within body lumens, allowing deployment and affixation to anatomical surfaces, and includes a driver to manage the assembly positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting assemblies are deployed along a cable to illuminate deep anatomical structures, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple discrete lighting assemblies distributed along the cable length. Each assembly can be independently deployed to specific anatomical locations, providing segmented illumination coverage that addresses deep structures while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting assemblies are nested within or along the cable structure, with each assembly capable of being deployed from the cable housing. This nesting approach allows multiple lighting elements to be compactly stored within the catheter while enabling their sequential or selective deployment to illuminate different depths of the anatomical passage
2Reliability
If lighting assemblies are affixed to anatomical surfaces for stable illumination, then illumination stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assemblies incorporate dynamic deployment and retrieval mechanisms that allow them to be temporarily affixed to anatomical surfaces for stable illumination during imaging or treatment, then easily retrieved and repositioned as needed. The system transitions between fixed and mobile states to balance illumination stability with operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Deployment elements such as drive shafts, wires, or robotic catheters serve as intermediaries between the operator and the lighting assemblies. These intermediaries enable precise positioning and secure affixation of the lighting assemblies to anatomical surfaces while maintaining easy controllability and retrieval through the intermediary mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting assemblies are made movable along the cable for repositioning, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assemblies are designed with movable coupling mechanisms to the cable, allowing them to slide or be actively repositioned along the cable length. This dynamic capability enables the lighting assemblies to be relocated to different anatomical sites or adjusted to optimize illumination angles, providing adaptability through controlled movement rather than fixed positioning
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 visibility during medical procedures by providing adjustable illumination within tortuous anatomical passages, facilitating better access and manipulation of medical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting element may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system may include a cable or wire, and a plurality of lighting assemblies coupled to the cable or wire. The plurality of lighting assemblies each may include (i) a lighting element and (ii) one or more anchoring features. In a first configuration, a first lighting assembly of the plurality of lighting assemblies may be a first distance along the cable or wire from a second lighting assembly of the plurality of lighting assemblies. In a second configuration, the first lighting assembly may be a second distance from the second lighting assembly. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.