Disposable Endoscope Cannula with Multi-Spectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes require stringent decontamination and disinfection due to reusable lens or fiber optic systems, which can be costly and inefficient, while disposable endoscopes address cross-contamination risks but lack advanced imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera, multi-spectral endoscope with a disposable cannula and reusable handle, featuring cameras responsive to different wavelength ranges and an electrically controlled color filter for white light and fluorescence imaging, forming composite images for enhanced visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable endoscope with lens or fiber optic system is used, then advanced imaging capabilities are maintained, but stringent decontamination and disinfection procedures are required which are costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into two separate parts: a reusable handle portion containing the lens or fiber optic system, and a disposable cannula portion. This segmentation allows the expensive imaging components to be reused while the disposable cannula eliminates the need for lengthy decontamination procedures, resolving the contradiction between maintaining imaging capability and reducing decontamination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex decontamination procedures. This disposable approach reduces time loss while the reusable handle portion maintains advanced imaging capabilities through its lens or fiber optic system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposable endoscope is used, then cross-contamination risks are reduced, but advanced imaging capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the endoscope into a reusable handle with imaging components and a disposable cannula, the system achieves both reduced cross-contamination risk and maintained imaging capability. The reusable handle contains the lens or fiber optic system that provides advanced imaging, while the disposable cannula minimizes contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cannula acts as an intermediary between the patient and the reusable imaging system. It transfers the imaging function from the disposable component to the reusable handle, allowing advanced imaging capabilities to be maintained while eliminating cross-contamination risks through proper disposal of the cannula.
3Reliability
If a reusable endoscope is used, then imaging quality is maintained, but decontamination costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is segmented into a reusable handle portion containing the imaging system and a disposable cannula portion. This allows the expensive imaging components to be reused multiple times, maintaining imaging quality, while the disposable cannula eliminates the need for costly decontamination procedures, thereby reducing overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cannula replaces the need for expensive decontamination procedures required by reusable endoscopes. By discarding the cannula after single use, the system eliminates decontamination costs while the reusable handle portion maintains imaging quality through its lens or fiber optic system.
4Reliability
If conventional endoscopes are used, then imaging functionality is provided, but ergonomic design and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into a reusable handle portion and a disposable cannula portion. This segmentation allows for optimized ergonomic design in the handle portion while keeping the cannula simple and disposable, improving ease of operation without compromising imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the handle portion to be designed with ergonomic features for comfortable operation, while the cannula can be optimized for its specific function. The dynamic assembly of these two parts provides both ergonomic design and imaging functionality.
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 endoscope provides improved visualization of tissue with enhanced imaging capabilities, reducing the need for extensive decontamination and disinfection while minimizing cross-contamination risks through a cost-effective and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically controlled color filter also at the distal portion of the cannula and configured to selectively operate in a mode A to pass light primarily in a wavelength range of white light or in a mode B to pass to said camera CamF light primarily in a selected narrow wavelength band or fluorescence light
Implementation Method 2
a forward-looking camera CamW at a distal portion of the cannula views a target and is responsive primarily to a wavelength range of white light
Implementation Method 3
a processing system configured to: selectively switch said color filter between mode A and mode B, and receive image data from said cameras CamW and Cam FA/B and form a white light stereo image of the target when said filter is operating in mode A but form a selected narrow wavelength band or fluorescence light image from camera CamFA/B when said filter is operating in mode B
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-camera, multi-spectral endoscope provides a composite image formed from a white light stereo image and a fluorescence image. The fluorescence image highlights areas of abnormal tissue without obscuring the white light image. In one example, the endoscope uses a white light camera and a camera that has an electrically controlled color filter that switches between passing white light and passing fluorescent light. In another example, two white light cameras produce a stereo image, and a third camera is a dedicated fluorescence camera. In yet another example, one pair of cameras generates a white light stereo image, and another pair generated a stereo fluorescence image. The endoscope can use a single-use portion comprising the cameras and a reusable portion and can rotate the cannula and bend it distal portion. In another example, one of the single-use portion and the reusable portion has an axial slot and the other has an axial rail that slides in the slot in one direction to assemble the endoscope and in another to separate the two portions.